After the last session and before her speech we got hold of Els Van Effelterre, advisor of youth in the cabinet of the Flemish Ministre of Youth Bert Anciaux.

VER-kijker: Els, What to do about the tension between formal in non formal education en the urge to prove everything by papers and signatures?

Els: The debate is necessary, but not only in youthwork. it should be held with te cultural sector (including youth), labour and education. Measuring and proving your skills is a problem for labour and education, because they need it.

We should be there because we have something to say about it, because we have exceptionla knowledge of dealing with people.

I do not even now if you can acknowledge everything and more on, I am not sure if we should. for instance, how do you proof someone excells in groupwork? And if that person does, what good is it to specify this on paper?

VER-kijker: Is this an opportunity for education?

Els: I do think this is a challenge for the schools and labour market. youngster in youth work often get chances they do not get in a factory or school. Youthwork can be a tool to shake things up. This is a mission for the whole society, not just for youthwork. Sometimes to want to go to school is a consequence of in incentive in youthworK. these steps are therefore
important.

Portfoliosystems in cultural sector is a start. Socius and Steunpunt jeugd are developping a portfolio. We will evaluate this and we hope we get a common standard to use in Flanders. This wil help us to debate in Europe, constructive but also with a critical view.

VER-kijker: Did you enjoy yourself today?

Els: I think it was very interesting and I did enjoy the sessions. I want to congratualate Formaat with this congress and I am proud we can have such an elaborated debate on this topic. who would have guessed this three years ago?