Through the implementation of the PROTA project, we aim to improve the reintegration prospects of prisoners and former prisoners by providing them with essential soft skills and increasing their access to innovative, learner-centered training tools. Our objective was to develop practical and adaptable resources, such as the virtual reality-based training environment and the AFTER guide, to support personal development, communication, decision-making, and employability. We also sought to raise awareness among professionals working in the prison environment about the importance of individualized, skills-based education. Another key objective was to strengthen collaboration between adult education providers, justice institutions, NGOs, and community actors across Europe. Through this, we aimed to promote sustainable networks that support social inclusion, reduce recidivism, and improve pathways to second-chance education. Finally, the project aspired to create a long-term impact by introducing scalable and transferable practices in prison education systems and beyond.
We applied for this project to respond to the urgent need for innovative, inclusive, and practical approaches to support the reintegration of prisoners and former prisoners into society. Many of our partner organizations work directly with vulnerable adult learners, including those in prison, and have identified significant gaps in soft skills education, motivation, and employability. Traditional training methods often fail to engage this target group or respond to their specific needs. Through PROTA, we aim to create tailored and accessible tools, such as virtual reality-based training and the AFTER guide, to improve personal development, communication, and employability skills. We also sought to strengthen cooperation between education providers, judicial institutions, and NGOs across Europe, ensuring a more coherent and cross-sectoral approach to rehabilitation. The project responded to EU priorities to promote social inclusion, second-chance education, and digital innovation in adult learning.