Cooperative projects

The aim of this project is to develop a general competences course tailored for low-skilled inmates. The course will consist of four modules: humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and basic English language skills, each comprising 15 lessons.

The primary objective of the "RISE" project is to provide inmates with limited qualifications access to general education. This program aims to strengthen fundamental skills that are essential for functioning in society after imprisonment. By implementing a course divided into four modules (humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and basic English), participants will acquire knowledge and skills that contribute to their social reintegration. The course will be prepared in such a way that it may be used either by a prison educator while teaching inmates (be it individually or in a group) or as self-learning materials.

The project goals include:

- Improving literacy and general knowledge in the humanities.

- Strengthening mathematical skills essential for daily life.

- Enhancing environmental awareness, including basic knowledge about the natural world.

- Introducing basic English language skills, useful for further education and the job market.

- These goals align with the Erasmus+ priority of increasing inclusivity and equity in adult education, particularly for socially excluded groups.

The project is primarily targeted at low-skilled inmates who have limited access to education. These are adults, typically aged 21 to 65, who have not completed primary or secondary education. Participation in the course aims to develop their general skills, which can aid in their social and professional reintegration.

The motivation for this project stems from the need to strengthen general competences among low-skilled inmates, a group often marginalized in educational contexts. Adult education in prisons is an overlooked area, and many inmates leave correctional facilities without the necessary skills, making reintegration into society and the workforce challenging. Funding this project would help bridge this educational gap by creating a model course that can also be implemented in other correctional institutions.

International cooperation will facilitate the exchange of experiences among educators from different countries, enriching the program with proven methods and educational materials. It will also enable the course to be adapted to the needs of diverse inmate groups and raise the standards of correctional education.

The project involves the creation of a course comprising four modules: humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and English language skills. Each module will include 15 lessons, delivered through workshops and lectures. Summative meetings will follow each module to evaluate progress and adjust educational content as needed.

To achieve the creation of the final product effectively, the following "midway" activities are proposed to guide the process and ensure the highest quality outcomes:

Needs assessment and target group analysis:

- Conduct surveys, interviews, or focus groups with inmates and educators to understand their skill levels, needs, and educational preferences.

- Analyze the findings to tailor the course content to their specific requirements.

Review of existing materials and best practices:

- Research current educational programs for inmates in various countries.

- Identify best practices that can be adapted or further developed for the project.

Expert consultations:

- Organize consultative workshops with experts in adult education, special pedagogy, and resocialization.

- Gather insights and feedback on the course structure and content.

Piloting educational materials:

- Develop preliminary versions of modules and lessons for all four thematic areas.

- Test these materials with a small group to gather feedback and refine them.

Development of educational materials:

- Refine course materials based on feedback from tests and consultations.

- Incorporate adjustments and improvements iteratively for maximum effectiveness.

Creation of a teaching guide:

- Develop a comprehensive guide for educators, including detailed instructions, lesson plans, supplementary materials, and tips for working with inmates.

Graphic and technical coordination:

- Prepare materials in a visually appealing and user-friendly format (e.g., infographics, videos, multimedia presentations).

- Ensure the materials are adapted to technical limitations that may exist in correctional facilities.