VALERU aims to establish mechanisms and human resources for the validation of non-formal/informal learning (NIL) in Russian Higher Education in order to ensure sustainable development of Russian HE.

First objective of VALERU is the development of a national methodological basis for validating NIL in HE, harmonized with European best practice and in line with Bologna and the strategic objectives of EU 2020. The focus lies on NIL at the work place (work based learning: WBL), seen as a key element when it comes to supporting LLL and linking HE to the labour market. This approach focuses on the learner and how to integrate his/her learning outcomes developed at the work place into study programmes, making the project highly relevant for qualification frameworks and the cooperation between HEIs and the world of work in the delivery of study programmes. Second objective is the establishment of a platform on validation of NIL in HE based at the Bologna Club, a Russian network of HEIs. Third objective is the training of experts for the validation of learning outcomes deriving from NIL, establishing a pool of experts in this field. Fourth objective is the piloting of validation of NIL in the Russian partner HEIs.

Thus, VALERU provides a methodological basis for validation of NIL in Russian HE, based on European approaches and well-grounded in the Russian HE system and the necessities of the Russian labour market; in order to integrate learning outcomes from NIL as invaluable resource in the context of fastly changing needs of the labour market and the development of LLL in general. It raises awareness among all stakeholders (government, citizens, HEIs, companies) for the importance to integrate NIL learning outcomes in HE in order to ensure the growing demand of highly qualified, trained HR.

VALERU is based on a strong cooperation between European and Russian HEIs & HE networks leading in the field of validating of NIL, networks of SME and professional associations.