Developing volunteering as a part of individual learning path (VOLUGRAM)

Summary

The VOLUGRAM project advanced adult education and civic engagement through voluntary work. It promoted volunteering, empowered volunteer coordinators, and developed both training materials and a digital tool to recognise voluntary work as part of an individual's learning journey. The project showcased how voluntary activities can help individuals acquire transferable skills, while also creating connections between innovative teaching methods, future-oriented skills, and civic competencies.

"Volunteering connects communities, empowers individuals, and transforms learning beyond the classroom."

Topic(s) addressed

• Volunteering integration into lifelong learning
• Volunteer coordination and leadership
• Community engagement
• Skill recognition
• Supporting diverse groups such as NEET, elderly, and people facing language barriers

Target group(s)  

• Volunteers (youth, elderly, those facing language barriers)
• Coordinators
• Community organisations
• Educational institutions

Methodologies used

The project employed community-building, hands-on training, and participatory methods. It established volunteer communities, provided coordinator training supported by practical handbooks, and developed tools for evaluating voluntary work. A digital app was created to assess and recognise volunteers' skills. Through collaborative learning, peer support, and inclusive approaches, the project ensured engagement across diverse groups - fostering leadership, skill development, and lifelong learning through volunteering.

Innovation environment

The project’s innovation lies in integrating future skills - such as analytical thinking, collaboration, leadership, and creativity - into flexible learning pathways. It offers a unique approach by combining formal and non-formal education, linking volunteering with the development of transferable skills. The creation of a digital tool to assess and recognise skills acquired through volunteering, along with the active inclusion of vulnerable groups, strengthens lifelong learning and promotes social inclusion. Together, these elements set a new benchmark for validating skills beyond traditional classroom settings.

Teachers’ role

Teachers played a vital role in bridging formal and non-formal learning by incorporating volunteering and transferable skills development into their curricula. They introduced innovative teaching methods that fostered analytical thinking, collaboration, leadership, and creativity among students. By supporting vulnerable groups, teachers ensured inclusive participation and adapted learning pathways to individual needs. They also guided students in applying the skills gained through volunteering to real-life contexts. In addition, teachers contributed to the evaluation and implementation of the digital tool for skill recognition, further promoting lifelong learning and community engagement.

Impact and output

The project developed flexible learning pathways that integrated volunteering with transferable skills development, supported by innovative digital tools for skill assessment and recognition. Educational institutions across Europe adopted these resources, enriching both formal and non-formal education.  

The active inclusion of vulnerable groups promoted social inclusion and empowerment. The project also strengthened partnerships among cultural, educational, and community organisations, advancing lifelong learning. Its outputs have been widely taken up, fostering ongoing skill development, community engagement, and sustainable collaboration beyond the project's duration.

Learn more about the project