Road to Freedom

<< Background >>The FREEDOM project was launched to tackle the significant challenges of inclusion for offenders and ex-offenders, focusing on their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The project aimed to lower barriers to inmate participation in training programs and empower them through innovative approaches like the FROG leadership and life-mastery program, based on the lyk-z coaching methodology. This program enhanced self-belief, self-awareness, and personal growth among inmates and ex-inmates.Key initiatives included structured support systems for effective reintegration, skills development, and access to crucial information and resources through an online platform offering educational content and training modules. The project aligned with national and EU policies advocating open learning and inclusion, particularly for those with incarceration histories, to promote systemic changes and support this marginalized group.The overarching goal of the FREEDOM project was to break the cycle of criminality, reduce repeat offenses, and prepare convicts for a new life post-incarceration by integrating the FROG program into European prison rehabilitation processes.<< Objectives >>- Train professional and peer trainers in the lyk-z methodology and FROG coaching program. A transnational training course in Iceland was organized to enable implementation in their respective countries.- Conduct national research across partner countries, gathering data on inmate rehabilitation and reintegration.- Collect and publicly share materials on key issues relevant to inmates and ex-inmates, including incarceration and reintegration.- Develop, finalize, and pilot the unique Road2Freedom program for inmate leadership, life mastery, and peer mentoring, based on the lyk-z methodology, and adjust it based on assessments.- Create and publish a curriculum and handbook for trainers, peers, and professionals, featuring the Road2Freedom program with tools, methods, and exercises for leadership and life-mastery training.- Design and launch an e-learning platform with materials and information from the Road2Freedom program.- Raise awareness about supporting and empowering inmates and ex-inmates during reintegration.- Disseminate information widely about the project's goals, results, and outcomes.<< Implementation >>The FREEDOM project delivered, 1 Learning, teaching and training event (LTTA), 4 key project results, 5 multiplier events, various dissemination activities, including 4 newsletters and numerous initiatives, and held 3 transnational partner meetings. Lyk-z's role focused on leading the development of Project Result 3 (PR3), which involved creating FROG training content, training coaches and trainers, and supporting the pilot implementation of the FROG training. Other partners contributed to all project activities and results, including:- Situational analysis (PR1)- Providing participants for coach training (PR3)- Pilot training for inmates and ex-inmates (PR2)- Video production (PR2)- Translations and contributions to the FREEDOM website and training platform (PR4)- Organizing multiplier events in their countriesPartners shared leadership roles:- Quasar managed overall project implementation and led PR2, focusing on FREEDOM videos and documentary.- SPAO Cyprus handled dissemination.- Südwind Austria was responsible for quality assurance.- ALLI Greece led PR4, developing the website and e-learning platform.- CESIE Italy led PR1, the GAP and situational analysis.<< Results >>PROJECT RESULT 1: Situational analysis led by CESIE to improve education and rehabilitation: Conducted a methodological framework, including desk research, interviews, focus groups, and a foresight study. Produced a Comparative Report on Prison Education.PROJECT RESULT 2: FREEDOM Videos and Documentary, led by Quasar: Developed country-specific videos featuring interviews with stakeholders, inmates, and role models. Created a short documentary highlighting project outcomes.PROJECT RESULT 3: FROG Leadership and Life-Mastery Program, led by lyk-z: Trained coaches/trainers using, provided support to pilot workshops in partner countries. Developed the Road to Freedom (FROG) Program with a curriculum, handbook, and resources.PROJECT RESULT 4: Road to Freedom Platform, led by Athens Lifelong Learning Center: Created a website and e-learning platform with open-educational resources (OERs).ADDITIONAL OUTPUTS: Organized a transnational training course for coaches in Iceland. Held five 5 conferences in partner countries. Published a project leaflet, website, and newsletters for dissemination. All results are available on the FREEDOM website: https://road2freedom.eu/ for at least 24 months after its completion.