Projects > VALUE - Volunteering and Lifelong Learning in Universities

The VALUE (Volunteering and Lifelong Learning in Universities in Europe) Network is a Grundtvig Network, comprising 20 organisations representing Universities, and more concretely Lifelong Learning Centres within Universities and  volunteering organisations and networks/associations (from both sectors) from 13 European countries.

Aim of this Network:

To facilitate and stimulate the development of cooperation between Universities and the volunteering sector in the delivery of University Lifelong Learning (ULLL) to volunteers/volunteering organisations staff – that is: flexible learning opportunities and accreditation pathways that respond to both formal and informal learning gained through volunteering activities.

VALUE will further develop collaborations among Universities and volunteering organisations. It will do this by:

• presenting, exploring models of cooperation and illustrating good practice
• building a web based resource kit to support such activities
• producing a report on VO-ULLL partnering in 12 partner countries
• organising a final conference for volunteering organisations, universities and learners to share experiences.

The activities that the VALUE will develop are:

• network meetings
• individual and sub-group research and the production of reports
• Sub-group activities will focus on 4 themes which impact upon University–Volunteering interaction. These are: older learners, employability, intercultural dialogue and citizenship.

Participanting organisations:

• University of Liverpool, UK [applicant organisation]
• Volunteering England (Institute of Volunteering Research), UK [CEV member]
• University of Graz,  Austria
• CSV.net, Italy [CEV member]
• W. J. Grabski Public Library in Ursus District (Warsaw), Poland
• INHOLLAND University of  Applied Science, The Netherlands
• Pro Vobis Volunteer Centre, Romania [CEV member]
• Netherlands Olympic Committee - Netherlands Sport Confederation, The Netherlands
• University of Primorska, Faculty of Management Koper, Slovenia
• Social Guild Foundation, Hungary
• C.A.R.D.O., Slovakia [CEV member]
• Middle East Technical University Continuing Education Center, Turkey
• University of Hamburg, Germany
• University of Barcelona, Institute For Lifelong Learning, Spain
• ILKYAR VAKFI - Elementary Schools Aid Organisation, Turkey
• University Babes-Bolyai, Romania
• Leuphana University of Lueneburg, Germany
• European University Continuing Education Network (EUCEN), Belgium 
• European Volunteer Centre (CEV), Europe 
• Third Sector Observatory, Spain

Role of CEV in the Network:

CEV is the European Liaison and Dissemination partner. Its main tasks are:

• To attend selected Management group meetings to bring CEV's specific expertise to the discussions regarding development & exploitation of the resources - e.g. feedback on EC-level contacts/ review ongoing resource development within subgroups; 
• To attend final conference in Turkey - as a speaker/participant;
  
• To meet/network with policy makers/other relevant bodies at European -level to expose them to the work of the project & to engage them in the debate around the 4 themes
• To suggest /contact expert speakers at EU level to address subgroup themes at network meetings 2/3
• General dissemination - electronic, leaflet distribution etc. In addition having the 3rd network meeting attached to the CEV General Assembly that will allow for very concrete dissemination - e.g. an open session for non-partners to attend.
  

VALUE Timeline [October 2008 - September 2011]:

VALUE leaflet can be downloaded here.

To visit the VALUE website, click here.