Recognition of Youth Work and Its Definitions
Bulgaria: From six countries that are participating in this analysis framework for Youth Work and recognition of the same Bulgaria is most developed at least on the formal side (legislatives, programs, recognition..). As this analysis is focusing on framework for Youth Work, we have not analysed other aspects. From a structure, framework and legislative side Bulgaria has set their framework appropriately. Bulgaria have a long lasting 2010 - 2020 National Youth Strategy that is reviewed every 5 years through National Youth Program. In this Strategy, Youth Workers are defined as a “necessary resource for implementation of the strategy”. In 2012 Bulgaria has put in force the Youth Law. Here is defined what are: youth organisations, youth activities, Youth Workers etc. Further, in chapter V, Article 32. is given a short definition of what is a Youth Worker,“A Youth Worker is an adult, who has undertaken special training in work with youth and/or has acquired professional experience in Youth Work and the implementation of youth activities” and in Atricle 33. Scope of Youth Workers work “The Youth Worker supports the functioning of youth organisations by analysing, planning, organizing, monitoring and evaluating youth activities, based on an individual approach and assessing the specific needs of young people”. The law has given a framework which can be worked on but still there was lot of work to be done in process of recognition and professionalization of Youth Work. Based on that in 2015 the Bulgarian Youth Forum has issued an official statement/position on Youth Work and Youth Workers which was a call for stakeholders to join for further recognition of Youth Work. Since 2015, “Youth Worker” is included in the Official List of the Professions in Bulgaria. It is therefore recognized as an official profession and labour contracts for this position can be signed by employees. Here is not the end of Framework for Youth Work as Bulgaia went further forward by creating and implementing a University level formal study program for Youth Workers! First generation of students started their studies on 2018. With this one nice circle it is rounded, however, there are still many upgrades that can be made so that Bulgariacan achieve concrete results nation-wide in shaping their youngsters.
Croatia: Unfortunately, the terms Youth Work or Youth Worker are not recognised as a profession in Croatia. From that, it is clear that we do not have a formally recognised definition of Youth Work. Currently the MDOMSP has finished the draft version of the new youth strategy from 2020 – 2024 which contains a chapter about Youth Work. Plan of the MDOMSP is to work later on recognition of Youth Work and Youth Workers suggesting that recognition of Youth Workers should be done in 4-5 years from now5. Further, MDOMSP are currently implementing an ESF project in which they are conducting national research, after which they should have a base for competence development. Based on this in 2021 we should have active National Strategy for Youth, relevant analysis and developed/ described competences but still no formally defined Youth Work, Youth Workers or recognition nor professionalization.
5
Source is a member of expert working group working on current strategy The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
