Skillsets in Transit: Understanding Recognition, Validation, and Accreditation of Learning Outcomes for Migrants and Refugees

Abstract

Reviewed by the Editors

This publication is part of a broader research project coordinated by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) on the recognition, validation, and accreditation (RVA) of non-formal and informal learning for diverse groups of migrants and refugees. The goal of this project is to assist countries in establishing policies and systems that recognize skills and qualifications of members of these groups, thus enhancing their work and educational opportunities and promoting their active engagement in society.

This significant literature review offers an overview of the RVA landscape, a description and analysis of practices and challenges in developing RVA programs for migrants and refugees, and case examples of RVA programs across the globe. Taken as a whole, the document highlights the ways in which RVA can concretely, constructively, and imaginatively respond to the experiences of people on the move and others through qualifications, employment, and self-directed learning pathways, from a lifelong learning perspective. It offers a basis for other publications developed as part of this project, including a policy brief providing concrete recommendations in this area, titled Inclusion beyond borders (2024).

Citation:

Macauley, M., & Snildal, A. (2024). Skillsets in transit: Understanding recognition, validation and accreditation of learning outcomes for migrants and refugees. UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000392075.locale=en

UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning. (n.d.). Migrants and refugees. https://www.uil.unesco.org/en/adult-education/migrants-refugees

UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning. (2024). Inclusion beyond borders: What is needed to recognize, validate and accredit the prior learning of migrants and refugees? (Lifelong learning policy brief, No. 15). UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000390651.locale=en