Informal learning in youth volunteer work : perspectives from the European Voluntary Service programme

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the link between volunteer work and informal learning among young people. Drawing on the concepts and theories of lifelong learning, informal learning and volunteer work, and building on past research, this thesis explores the case of the European Voluntary Service (EVS), an international volunteering scheme devised by European Commission for youth between 18 and 30 years of age. Through 10 qualitative interviews with former and current EVS volunteers, this study attempts to understand the nature and main features of informal learning in EVS as well as what young people believe they have learnt in the course of their volunteering.

The results show that volunteers acquire a wide range of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The learning is significant in relation to one’s self, interpersonal and communications skills, learning about the world and developing instrumental skills. While volunteers’ accounts of what they had acquired included stances of self-directed and incidental learning, the greater part of the learning corresponded to the concept of tacit learning. Overall, the study confirms the great potential of volunteering not only as an avenue for action and contributing to the greater good but also as a site for adult learning in developing self-reliant and capable individuals who can confront the challenges of our times.