Representatives of the Agency for Qualifications, Mirjana Poledica and Samir Hodžić, participated in the round table "Refugees and Asylum Seekers in the Educational System of Serbia," held on October 15 at the "Envoy Conference Center" in Belgrade. The event brought together representatives of state institutions, international organizations, and experts to discuss opportunities for improving access to education and employment for refugees and asylum seekers.
Samir Hodžić from the Center for JPOA of the Agency for Qualifications participated in the panel dedicated to career guidance and integration into the labor market, alongside Miljan Krstonić, an integration advisor from the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia, Jelena Stefanović, the leader of the career guidance and counseling component within the "Knowledge to Job" project, and Bahtavar Ajrubi, a student with refugee experience, who shared her story about integrating into the educational system of Serbia.
The discussion addressed systemic support mechanisms, the recognition of knowledge and skills acquired through previous learning, and ensuring equal opportunities for further education and employment. These topics are important for the work of the Agency from the perspective of linking the recognition of qualifications processes, opportunities for acquiring qualifications, and career support tailored to individual needs.
The second part of the event was dedicated to higher education for refugees in Serbia. Representatives of UNHCR and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany presented the DAFI scholarship program, and two students benefiting from this program shared their academic experiences and future plans.
The Agency's participation is particularly significant due to its role in recognizing foreign educational qualifications, developing the qualifications system, ensuring the quality of non-formal adult education, and enhancing career guidance and counseling. Connecting these areas allows for the recognition of individuals' knowledge, skills, and previous education, opening up opportunities for further learning and integration into the labor market.
The event highlighted the importance of cooperation among institutions and organizations to ensure that support for refugees and asylum seekers is accessible and continuous. The Agency for Qualifications, within its competencies, contributes to creating conditions for previously acquired education and competencies to serve as a foundation for further learning, employment, and a more independent life in a new environment.