Stichting Europees Centrum EVC / Foundation European Center for Valuation Prior Learning (EC-VPL) Chairman: prof. drs. R.C. Duvekot Stichting EC-VPL Secr: mr. J. Paulusse Jagersweg 23 5262 TM VUGHT – The Netherlands Tel.: +31 73 6572 565 Fax: +31 73 6560 581 Mob: ++31651992300 E-mail: jpa@planet.nl www.vpl4.eu

The Foundation wants to strenghten the integral process of knowledge and information about general and specific aspects of the "Validation of Prior Learning (VPL)" by:
- stimulating research in this field,
- developing and implementing experiments and projects on sectoral, national and European levels,
- disseminating results and good practice of the use of VPL.

The Stichting Europees Centrum EVC studies, accumulates and distributes information on every imaginable aspect of VPL, such as national and international information pertaining to VPL projects, procedures, instruments, financing, yield and legislation. Incidental bottlenecks in the sphere of legislation and regulations are surveyed and discussed with the responsible authorities.

The Foundation works closely together with:
- the Foundation Empowerment centre EVC:
- the Foundation Competentie Managament CH-Q NL/B: www.ch-q.nl
- (polytechnic) Hogeschool van Amsterdam: www.evc.hva.nl
- the knowledge centre Kenniscentrum EVC: www.kenniscentrumevc.nl

The Validation of Prior Learning in The Netherlands
The validation of non-formal and informal learning (in dutch: EVC) is a useful instrument in the context of lifelong learning and employability. We know that initial education is no longer enough for the whole of an individual’s working life. The acquisition of knowledge per se is becoming less important – it is now more a matter of developing competences. This goes for all of Europe!
Competences can be developed through formal learning processes. However, competence-development also takes place through informal learning processes while working, in domestic & voluntary work and through hobbies. If these competences can be compared with formal qualifications then it should be possible to recognise them as valid.
EVC is the procedure for the formal recognition of learning through non-formal & informal processes. This recognition of individual competences has a positive impact on individuals, at organisation or sector level and at national or qualification level. EVC as an integral set of validation-principles is the bridge between working and learning and perhaps even the single most important instrument for guiding individuals through our knowledge-based society.
Given the major advantages that EVC offers, its practical implementation in the Netherlands is promoted by the Kenniscentrum EVC. We study, accumu-late and distribute information on every imaginable aspect of EVC, such as national and international good practices, procedures, instruments, financing, legislation.
Recommendations are formulated on every (national) level of the EVC-chain: EVC is an integral process aiming at creating a culture in which every stake-holder takes up his/her responsibility in the field of life long learning. This culture is thé precondition for making Europe a leading knowledge-society in the year 2010 !
Together with our international partners we already work in a European Knowledge-network for the Validation of Non-formal & Informal Learning. For Europe it’s good to know we’re here to support every effort on sectoral and national levels to create a more dynamic attitude to learning in a dynamic, opportunity-creating European environment. So, let’s go for the implementation of the validation-principles in Europe !!!

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