MoveUp - Motivating Adult Learners to Engage in Competence Upskilling Activities in Detention Centres

<< Background >>While legal systems vary among different states, it appears that imprisonment rates are on the rise in most of them. The primary issue arising from this surge in incarceration is the overcrowding of inmates in detention facilities. Detention facilities are typically operating at around 90 to 100% of their total capacity in many European countries. Overcrowding has significant implications for penitentiary policy, which is hastily responding to its consequences. Imprisonment itself presents unfavorable conditions for social reintegration. The isolation, institutionalization, and stigma associated with incarceration are significant barriers to the successful reintegration of released prisoners. Selecting an appropriate social reintegration program is a complex task that requires a comprehensive assessment of various factors, including the prison environment, the individual prisoner, professionals involved, the community, institutions, and available resources. In this context, our proposal aimed to establish an appropriate non-formal learning environment to support individual learners in functioning effectively and thriving in an increasingly dynamic and competitive knowledge-based society after their release. << Objectives >>We aimed to capture the current situation and to publish a Good Practices Guide on adult education in prison and detention centres and a Competences Structure Training Guide for adult learners to build up transversal skills to adult learner. Expanding upon the Council of Europe Recommendations on Prison Education, which emphasize the importance of providing educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals for their holistic development, successful reintegration, and reduced likelihood of reoffending (RECOMMENDATION No. R (89)12), our project was designed to establish a suitable informal learning environment. This environment aimed to empower individual learners to function effectively and flourish in an ever-evolving and competitive knowledge-driven society upon their release.Moreover, our project also recognized another significant aspect of the benefits of prison education, particularly at a community level. By fostering the development of essential competencies, it contributed to social cohesion and helped prevent the marginalization of former inmates through active and engaged citizenship. To attain active and engaged citizenship post-release, detainees needed to work on enhancing their key competences.<< Implementation >>-A kickoff meeting held in Kozani, Greece to establish project management procedures, define roles and responsibilities for each partner, and outline the PMI Plan. -A study was conducted to assess the competency levels of adult educators involved in prison training and education across various partner countries. -The project team developed a Good Practices Guide, which compiled a collection of non-formal education activities used by adult trainers and educators in Detention Centers.-An Interim Meeting took place in Munich, Germany, bringing together representatives from all partner countries served as a progress report on the project's status, including the program's continuation -A Competences Structure Training Guide was created, featured case studies from different countries and non-formal education activities used by adult trainers and educators in Detention Centers.-A Train the Trainers workshop was conducted in Thessaloniki, Greec as the most effective method for transferring knowledge and addressing important issues before the actual training-The 3rd transnational project meetings held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands focused on assessing the quality of implementation and the deliverables achieved throughout the project<< Results >>The present circumstances pose significant challenges for individuals incarcerated in prisons. Reintegrating them into society after their release is an arduous task. However, the project has enabled trainers to gain a deeper understanding of how to support former inmates post-release and has provided valuable insights into the most effective methods for their training and rehabilitation. Specific results were:-The project expects to see a significant improvement in the success rates of prisoner reintegration. This will be measured through metrics such as reduced recidivism rates and increased employment among former inmates.-Trainers involved in the project will gain valuable insights into the specific needs of released prisoners and the most effective methods for their rehabilitation and support.- As former inmates successfully reintegrate into society, communities will become more cohesive and accepting, reducing social divisions and increasing empathy.- The project's efforts to raise awareness about prisoner reintegration will foster a more compassionate and informed society.- Better understanding of prisoner rehabilitation methods.