QQI joins European Qualifications Passport for Refugees (EQPR) training day

The EQPR is a tool that was developed to help Member States to address the challenges brought by the refugee crisis, by building the capacity for the sustainable response to the possible crisis situations in the future. The Council of Europe recently hosted a training session on the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees (EQPR) methodology. 

Implemented by the Council since 2017, EQPR helps refugees rebuild their lives in their host countries by giving them the opportunity to have their qualifications assessed even in the absence of full documentation. The EQPR process results in a common document, validated by experts, that supports Institutions, Competent Authorities and employers in making decisions about the qualifications and experience of people with different and sometimes complex histories, for the purposes of admission and recruitment as appropriate.

Colleagues from QQI, MTU, UL and UCD were among the 31 credential evaluators who attended the training which is based on a self-assessment questionnaire completed by the refugee, followed by a structured interview. The interview is conducted by a team of two credentials evaluators from different ENIC NARICs (national information centres on recognition), at least one of whom has expert knowledge of the language and education system of the country from which the applicant claims to have his/her qualification.

A key message from the EQPR training session is the important role that higher education institutions play in supporting the integration of refugees across European societies. QQI is pleased to work in partnership with expert credential evaluators in higher education institutions to play our part in supporting the fair recognition of qualifications of refugees and supporting integration. To join with this important initiative, and for more information, please contact naric@qqi.ie.