sport in nfe
Sport in NFE – Opportunities and benefits
According to the Council of Europe’s Manual for Human Rights Education (COMPASS), non-formal education refers to planned, structured programs and processes of personal and social education for young people designed to improve a range of skills and competences, outside the formal educational curriculum. It is noticeable that the recognition of non-formal education is increasing, although it is difficult to evaluate and certify. Also, some other important characteristics include:
• Voluntary engagement,
• Accessibility,
• An organized process with educational objectives,
• Participation,
• Learner-centeredness,
• Orientation to learning life skills and preparing for active citizenship,
• Based on involving both individual and group learning with a collective approach,
• Holistic and process-oriented approach,
• Based on experience and action,
• Organization on the basis of the needs of the participants.
In Europe, the beginning of 21th century is marked with strive for innovation. In its heart is knowledge-based society where people are empowered to make the best out of available learning resources, in formal, non-formal, as well as informal working environment. Those learning settings should not, in any way, be seen separately from one another. Rather they are complementary to each other, and should give each individual an opportunity to create the best tailor – made mix to create its own life-long learning experience.
According to the AEGEE, non-formal education serves as a great tool for development of complementary skills to the ones thought by formal education. This non-exhaustive list includes interpersonal, team, organizational and conflict management skills, leadership, planning, organizing, co-ordination and practical problem solving skills, teamwork, self-confidence, discipline, etc.