Rende (CS) – The social inclusion of migrants and the validation of non-formal experiences for labour inclusion are two key issues on which Europe is focusing significant efforts. In response to these priorities, Euroform RFS, in collaboration with four other European organisations, is leading the Work Inclusion 2021 project.

This initiative, part of the ‘KA220-ADU – Cooperation Partnership in Adult Education’ action of the Erasmus+ programme, aims to improve the process of validating migrants‘ prior experience through the implementation of a new VAE methodology tailored to migrants’ needs.

Called WIN-VAE, this new methodology was developed to provide practitioners with the necessary tools for a more efficient and accurate assessment, thus allowing easier access to the validation system for migrants.

Euroform RFS brought together a consortium of European partners from various disciplines, including immigration, education and technology, to address the challenges associated with the validation of migrants’ backgrounds. The project’s main objective is to develop tools and resources that facilitate and improve this process.

The main outcome of the project is the WIN-VAE methodology, which adopts an innovative approach based on the analysis of skills and experiences acquired by migrants throughout their lives. This methodology offers practitioners clear tools and guidelines for a fair and accurate assessment of migrants’ skills and experiences, thus facilitating their integration into the host society.

In addition to the WIN-VAE methodology, the project enabled the development of the WIN-Training e-learning course, designed to train operators in the effective use of the new methodology. The course, soon to be available on the WINC2021 e-learning platform, offers in-depth training on the principles and practices of experience validation, as well as on the application of the WIN-VAE methodology.

Furthermore, the project envisages the launch of the WIN-APP, a mobile application designed to simplify the validation process for both migrants and practitioners. The WIN-APP will provide interactive tools to record and document users’ experiences, competences and qualifications, thus facilitating the information gathering and validation process.

The WINC2021 project demonstrates the potential of collaboration between different disciplines and sectors to address complex challenges and promote social integration and inclusion. With the new WIN-VAE methodology, the WIN-Training e-learning course and the WIN-APP, practitioners involved in validation processes will have practical and innovative tools at their disposal to support migrants in the process of validating their previous experiences.