Comparative report
The report analyses the state of the art of prison education and educational needs of people within the justice system in Austria, Cyprus, Greece, Iceland and Italy.
Through the desk research challenges in prison education systems across partner countries were highlighted, including insufficient investment, difficulties in facilitating connections with the outside world, the need for more educational programs on personal and social skills and for personalised programs, based on the diverse needs of individuals from various cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. According to the results, ICT could have a crucial role in a successful reintegration into society but it is hardly used in custodial settings.
The field research revealed common obstacles as well as a variety of problems with the correctional education systems in each partner country. Key findings include: the need for more updated and diverse educational programs addressing basic needs and cultivating both soft and hard skills, a greater use of technology in prisons to enhance educational and employment opportunities and modernising facilities.
To ensure that released inmates can effectively reintegrate into society, additional steps must be taken to strengthen relations between correctional facilities and the labour market as well as to provide them with stronger psychological assistance and direction. Furthermore, in addition to promoting chances for their education and employment, there is a need to counteract societal stigma against ex-inmates and create knowledge of post-release resources.
The foresight workshop conducted with partner organisations shed light on the strengths of the project, such as the creation of beneficial bonds with local communities and institutions and the positive impact of the training based on the FROG methodology. Ideas to contrast common challenges, for example the difficulty in reaching individuals while they are serving their sentences, were shared, together with reflections on the importance of this work, of the transition from incarceration and society, and the struggle with post-detention stigma.
