Operative Guidelines
For both artistic/theatrical companies and penitentiary institutions.
The aim is to define a good practices guide enhancing both internal organization of realities operating in jail, to help the development of validated training paths, and the participation of local communities involving institutional relationships with public administrations, job agencies and NGOs, that will help professional reintegration and real acknowledgment of the skills acquired through artistic activities.
| ARCI Liguria (2 different experimentations) |
| Asturia |
| AufBruch |
| Eurosuccess Consulting |
| Izmir Governorship |
| Teatro dell'Ortica |
| UPSDA |
The second phase of the Skills for Freedom project (S4F) involved an experimentation, carried out by the following partner organizations: ARCI Liguria, AufBruch, Asturia, Eurosuccess Consulting, Izmir Governorship, Teatro dell’Ortica, UPSDA (United Professionals for Sustainable Development Association), to put into practice all the elements learned during the previous phase of research and training, during which concepts, logics and fundamental tools were defined for the realization of interventions in prison, of an artistic nature, in favour of disadvantaged subjects, at the purpose of developing specific work skills. The aim of the experiment, in addition to the fact of bringing to reality, information, ideas and models debated and assimilated in the first phase between the partners, was to elaborate and provide essential information for the construction of the second intellectual output (IO2), that is a guide for artistic/theatrical companies and for prison administrations to manage artistic projects that develop the skills and professionalism of the prisoners, which must first of all gather the best practices experimented by the partners with respect to:
1. Definition of the learning paths valid for the acquisition of the target skills by the prisoners 2. Training courses for artists and prisoners, and other actors involved in the process of reintegration of prisoners into the labour market 3. Actions of connection with public and private employment systems and the employment of weak groups.
These are the general contents of the Guidelines that determined the objectives of the experimentations; specifically, the partners had to check if:
| ARCI Liguria - Affetti Ristretti | ARCI Liguria - Radiologia | Asturia | AufBruch | Eurosuccess Consulting | Izmir Governoship | Teatro dell'Ortica | UPSDA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Output of the experimentation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Outcome of the experimentation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Staff skills | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| Role of prison staff | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Target approach and selection | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| Training delivery methods | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| Group dynamics and problem solving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Certification tools | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| Communication | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| Networking | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
The output of the experimentation or of a new activity is " the final object " of the theatrical, artisanal or artistic intervention that is realized. It is the result, the effect of the production activity, the definition of the activity; in fact it is from the description of the final object (project output) that we pass to the definition of all the activities necessary for its realization.
Arci Liguria – Affetti ristretti Arci Liguria – RadioLogia Asturia AufBruch Teatro dell'Ortica UPSDA
While the outputs are the results of the production processes, the outcomes are constituted by the modification of the behaviours of the final beneficiaries and/or the recipients. As we saw in the S4F project, the fundamental outcome concerns the acquisition and certification of work skills exercised and developed during the various experimentations, on the basis of the: 1. Competencies listed in the framework of the first intellectual output of the project (ref. Common European Framework of the skills developed through arts and theatre, for prisoners - EXECUTIVE REPORT, PART V - A3 Framework of skills – analysis and definition): Communication skills, Social skills, Empathy, Self-esteem, Self-confidence, Team Work skills, Creative thinking, Artistic skills, Professional skills… 2. Other competences not included in the report. It is a list of soft skills and hard skills that provide the basis for a subsequent certification of skills at local, national, or transnational level that will be at the centre of the third phase of the S4F project.
These are also outcomes not included in the previous list but related to further changes compared to the development of prisoners' skills (for example, an inmate decides to enrol in a subsequent professional school, or maybe he found a job ...), or related to changes in other indirect recipients of the project (the prison staff, the audience of the final events ...). Why is it important to define these two topics? We do not hide that often the artistic prison activities can be carried out as a " pastime ", a means of making the day in the cell less boring. Defining, planning outputs and outcomes means connecting these activities to broader objectives; in particular linking the artistic result to real acquisitions of skills for the prisoner. Which becomes the protagonist not only of artistic activity, but of the meaning that this can have for him, and not only for the audience (if any)?
Suggestion: Linking the properly artistic experience to the strengthening of other managerial skills functional to the sustenance of the same artistic activity: e.g. " business game ", direct involvement in the management of promotion, administration and fund raising activities... Actions: - Plan which other activities complementary to the artistic ones can be carried out with real responsibility by the prisoners. - Support the path by including complementary training activities, on themes that are not strictly artistic. - To involve the prisoners in the economic management of the initiatives, with direct recognition for the results, with a fee.
Arci Liguria – RadioLogia Asturia AufBruch Izmir Teatro dell'Ortica UPSDA
The evaluation of the curriculum and the selection of the experts and teachers called to carry out the training activities become fundamental when it is necessary to determine if they have the right experience to transfer the desired learning, and if they have the right qualification to validate the learned learning. Experiments have shown that if you want to work in the field of inmates, you need to compose your own team properly, even if you are not a professional company. But they also showed how (to respect learning outcomes for the prisoners) it is necessary to combine pedagogical, psychological and social work with artistic personnel.
For the success of the experimentations, the prison staff plays a fundamental role; the kind of relationship that can be established between the partner organization and the prison institute, outside and inside. The involvement of the staff is in fact inevitable but can be more or less direct, more or less collaborative, more or less formalized.
Suggestion: Share with the prison managers the objectives, the program and the rules of the proposed artistic activity. In particular, involve the prison police structure, which is crucial to ensure internal legitimacy in the context of prison security. Actions: - Ask the prison director to officially communicate the next start of the cultural / artistic initiative; - Organizing meetings to present the initiative, bringing together prison workers, including policemen; - Start direct talks with less sensitive or wary operators.
The phase of selection of prisoners is one of the most delicate of the whole project because it is in the initial phase and can set the relationship of the organization both with the prisoners and the guards. It is about defining an appropriate approach to the type of event that one wants to achieve, to the kind of skills and motivations that one wants to check and develop, trying to use more or less inclusive methodologies, depending on the purpose. Here the area of greatest risk is given by the instability in the participation of the inmates: if imprisonment is a form of guarantee on their presence, in reality the prison system can suddenly upset the plans: it is enough a transfer of prisoners, a change of surveillance, a general security problem, and our artistic project can stop or delay.
Suggestion: it is not obvious to assume that the prisoner must be able to follow the whole path. Especially in paths where in which there is a final product produced by the whole group (in theatrical activities, for example), this element is of vital importance. Actions: - Preliminary verification with the prison management of the total availability of the participants - Plan B: already provide for a replacement (within the already established work group or by managing to include - even partially - another inmate.
It is very important in the planning of the training activities to define very carefully the methodologies that will be used to train the prisoners. It is a question of establishing both the time and the learning tools to be used, the professionals and other resources that will have to be involved, when using a formal, non-formal, or informal approach. Training activities are not aimed only at direct recipients, but must have an impact on innovation and change throughout the organization/s which is involved in the training path. In the case of S4F in particular the type of training that is carried out during the project has a crucial strategic importance with respect to the objective of transferring work skills so as to be not only assimilated but also certified by third parties.
Suggestion: Involvement of other groups, external to detention, overcoming mental barriers before physical ones: eg. Involve students, schools, parents. Actions: - Plan for time the possibility of involving other groups in the activities, verifying the conditions of inclusion inside the prison or distance relationship (letter, video). - Agree with the prison management the forms of possible involvement, including the authorization to enter external people in the structure.
The working group can become a fundamental work tool for the development of all the skills related to these dimensions: communication, leadership, conflict management, creativity, determination, socialization, competition, collaboration... Managing the group dynamics and problems that can be revealed, becomes a special opportunity to develop these skills. If these elements are not already the skills of the team, it may be required a preliminary reinforcement, also looking for and inserting in the team people able to manage a new working group.
Suggestion: Associate the actual artistic activity with paths of psychological support and motivational support to the individual and the group. Help the individual to enter the path of discovery and growth of skills, supporting his motivation and ability to face and overcome difficulties. Actions: - Check the presence of psychological support services, if present in the prison, and their willingness to integrate these actions. Alternatively, identify external collaborations that can be authorized. - Establish a schedule of support interventions to support the prisoners, during all the artistic experimentation, especially in crucial moments or more stressful.
The tools for certifying the competences acquired during the experimentation are perhaps the most important result to be obtained in the S4F project, but also the most difficult one. It depends on the ability of the partner to have identified that work skills in the realization of the artistic intervention, on which to make an adequate training by qualified experts, allowing a validation and final certification by competent bodies.
The Europe 2020 strategy places the development of knowledge, skills and competences as a precondition for economic growth and employment in order to improve entry and progression in the labour market, to facilitate transitions between the working and learning phases, to promote geographical and professional mobility. In this perspective is affirmed the need to build a system of recognition, validation and certification of skills that allows the individual to be able to exploit and spend their skills acquired in a specific geographical context, in the European labour market and in education and training systems.
Valuing the skills acquired through each learning process, even what takes place outside the places traditionally assigned to this (school and university), is a very important topic; it is a process that can support the competitiveness of the system and the flexibility of work paths, facilitate re-entry into training through the mechanism of training credits and facilitate geographical and professional mobility.
Suggestion: Although in the field of art, especially non-professional, the certification of skills is not a common practice, from this project emerges the value of always promoting a path of recognition of specific and transversal competences acted by the prisoner. Apparently easier in the context of formal education (see Belgian case) or decidedly innovative as in the German case. But it is also desirable to start with less structured paths, especially in non-formal education. However, offering the participant to the artistic experience a tool to recognize himself, first of all, and to be recognized in a possible transition to the world of work, inside or better out of prison. Actions: - The artistic organization decides and structure to guarantee a validation path and, better, an external certification of competences; - Depending on the type of activity proposed, it compares with the certification models existing in its country or already applied in similar contexts; - In order to simplify the prisoner's commitment and allow him / her to communicate his or her skills in an autonomous way. It is preferable to create a portfolio, to be used together or as an alternative to the traditional curriculum vitae.
During the course of the whole experimentation - before, during and after - it is important to foresee and realize communication activities that allow the best passage of information and messages in order to avoid misunderstanding with the prison staff, with the prisoners, in relation to the activities that we want to implement, output and outcome that we want to achieve, in a transparent and dialectical way. Communication strategies must also be implemented outside the prison to give the project visibility, to increase the effectiveness of the final result, to seek support and collaboration.
Affetti ristretti Asturia AufBruch Eurosuccess Izmir Teatro dell'Ortica UPSDA
The networking activity must be carried out during the whole experimentation; it is an essential strategy to increase the impact of the intervention on the territory and to guarantee the visibility, the success and the sustainability of any subsequent outcome, involving public or private actors, local, regional, national, international... So for a new theatrical improvisation, it would be appropriate to enter the network with already existing theatre groups, especially social theatre. Or maybe for artistic craft activities, immediately give space to trade associations or those of the Third Sector that can enhance not only the products, but also and above all, the skills of prisoners in view of their active future, post-imprisonment.
RadioLogia – RadioLogy Promoting Organization: ARCI LIGURIA – ITALY
Type of activity: RADIO OPERATOR (Script writing, Voice training, Editorial operator and Editing Officer) Training path: formal and non-formal path
Short description of the experimentation The experimentation consisted in a radio production course, based on formal and non-formal trainings. Radio creation is used as a tool to reinforce the prisoners’ self-consciousness, encourage their self-esteem and transfer of audio editing professional competences. Main purpose of experimentation is, in the first instance, teaching the inmates how to work autonomously on a proposed topic (columns) and on podcasts editing; the ultimate aim is broadcasting the radio show, within and outside the prison and producing audiobooks. RadioLogia transferred artistic (writing, reading, performing) and technical competences (audio recording and editing), developed soft-skills and implemented a positive approach to life in/outside prison.
| Experimentation place | Casa Circondariale Villa Andreini, Genoa, Italy | |
| Type of penitentiary institutions | Closed-type prison | |
| Structural information | Duration of the experimentation in months | 6 months, from January to May 2017 |
| Duration of the training (total hours) | 42 hours | |
| Timing of the training in the week | 2 hours a week | |
| Target group | 15 male trainees, aged between 20 and 40 |
Output of the experimentation RadioLogia contributed to the implementation of the expected results of social work with persons deprived of their liberty. The project motivates the participation of convicted persons to be involved in a new specialized non-formal training to learn how to create a radio show (from the text writing to the voice editing) and be trained in life skills. At the end of the project allows for self-expression and participation in a radio production with diffusion of the show, made during the activities. The material outputs were podcasts; the intangible results were augmented self-esteem and renewed consciousness of the trainees towards their families and friends and as a part of the society. Actually, the project is going ahead, developing a new output: counting on the technical competences acquired, ARCI Liguria with the involved inmates will also do audio-guides.
Outcome of the experimentation The competences developed during this experimentation were:
Description of the personnel that provided the training One of trainers involved has an educational and theatre background, also in social work (actor of the theatre troupe “Il Reatto” and teacher). The second one has a long-term experience in coordinating and realizing activities in jail: project coordinator for initiatives in jail (2010-2017), trainings planner (DJing, hip hop, spray art, etc.) and help-desk for inmates and ex-inmates operator. One of them had participated in the frontal trainings activities of SKILLS FOR FREEDOM; all of them had the S4F C2 certification (Distance Learning).
Affetti Ristretti - Restricted affections Promoting Organization: ARCI LIGURIA – ITALY
Type of activity: ARTIST (painting, illustration, applied arts) Training path: non-formal path
Short description of the experimentation The experimentation consisted in a non-formal course based on painting, as a tool to reinforce the prisoners’ self-consciousness and encourage father-son relationships. Starting from an introduction about picture books for children, passing through the use of the book as an instrument to forward pedagogical lessons, Affetti Ristretti transferred artistic technical competences, developed soft-skills and implemented a positive approach to life in/outside prison.
Training Delivery methods The trainers used an interactive approach and non-formal education methods. All the art workshops had their own methodology, in relation with the applied art and specifics (collage, watercolour, tempera painting, etc.). In the progress of the programme delivery the following teaching methods were used: reading (or trying to read, also at loud), drawing (acquiring new manual techniques), story-telling (starting being aware of its own responsibilities about fatherhood), presentations, group discussions and individual work.
| Experimentation place | Prison of Marassi, Genoa, Italy | |
| Type of penitentiary institutions | Closed-type prison | |
| Structural information | Duration of the experimentation in months | 6 months, from February to July 2017 |
| Duration of the training (total hours) | 20 hours | |
| Timing of the training in the week | 2 hours every 15 days | |
| Target group | 10 male trainees, aged between 28 and 55 with lower secondary education |
Output of the experimentation Affetti ristretti contributed to the implementation of the expected results of social work with persons deprived of their liberty, in particular fathers away from their sons. The project motivates the participation of convicted people to participate in a new specialized non-formal training for the re-appropriation of their father-hood by using artistic activities (painting and illustrating, in particular) and training in life skills. At the end of the project allows for self-expression and participation in an artistic production and presentation of the products, developed during the artistic activities. The material outputs were drawings (art works); the intangible results were augmented self-esteem and renewed consciousness of the trainees towards their families and as a part of the society.
Networking ARCI Liguria is a member of the Conferenza Regionale Volontariato Giustizia (Regional Panel for Justice Volunteering) and it’s actively engaged in the defence of the rights of inmates and - collaborating with the Panel - does offer them and their families’ effective assistance and support every day. In collaboration also with the Ministry of Justice and other partner organizations, ARCI Liguria's support is delivered through different projects in different prisons (Sanremo, Pontedecimo, Marassi, Imperia, La Spezia). The association is also a member of La rete che unisce (The joining network) ATS, more than 30 organizations active in prison grouped in a regional association, which ensures a wide-ranging connection with regional and national realities and dissemination of the project. Of course, ARCI can count also on its network, with over 330 clubs (circoli) and more than 55.000 members in Liguria, and on its national presence, with ARCI Nazionale. We have also cultivated relationships and demonstrations of interest had during our public events and contacted/exchanges with EPEA European Prison Education Association.
Certification of creative skills in a vocational training – an industrial painter program Promoting Organization: ASTURIA VZW – BELGIUM
Type of activity:ARTIST (PAINTER) in a vocational painter program Training path: linked with formal education system
Short description of the experimentation This experimentation wants to focus on the well-established experiences of a vocational educational program in the prison of Wortel (Belgium) – an industrial painter program – where inmates express their artistic skills while learning a profession. Hereby the trainers want to establish a framework and a certification system of the transversal and professional skills that can include artistic activities and that can be acquired through a modular course of”decorative painting” for inmates.
| Experimentation place | Belgium, Minderhout, Prison of Wortel | |
| Type of penitentiary institutions | Closed prison | |
| Structural information | Duration of the experimentation in months | 10 months, from September 2016 to June 2017 |
| Duration of the training (total hours) | 2 modules “creative painting” of 40 hours each | |
| Timing of the training in the week | 5 mornings a week from 07:45 until 11:30 | |
| Target group | 2 groups of 10 male students, aged between 20 and 40 with lower secondary education and staying for more than one year inside the prison. |
Output of the experimentation This project will contribute to the implementation of the expected results of corrective work with persons deprived of their liberty, in particular vulnerable groups such as people from ethnic minorities, substance misusers and persons with mental health issues. The project motivates the participation of the selected convicted persons to participate in a new specialized program for rehabilitation by using artistic activities and training in life skills.
Outcome of the experimentation Competencies listed in the framework of the I.O.1:
Other outcome of the experimentation The students who are successful in the evaluations receive a certificate in formal learning.
Role of prison staff Primary responsibility for the success of the project was to bring the project team, the experts and the prison staff together. During the monthly held meetings, analysis were made of the development of the project. The views of the participants and prison staff in the activities were taken into account through the feedback form. Preliminary talks with the leadership of the prison of Wortel relied on the longstanding collaboration with the leading body of the organization.
Target approach and selection We selected the trainees through interviews with prisoners and an initial selection of participants for the intervention groups. This was followed by group forming and shaping the initial documents for participation. During September 2016 and January 2017 28 interviews were conducted with prisoners in presence of a probation officer. The meeting were also used to motivate participants for the whole program of the vocational course. The interviews gave clarity to the participants regarding the group approaches, the aims of the programme, the methods used, the rules of group work and specified issues by the participants.
Group dynamics and problem solving The individual approach towards each participant in the program for rehabilitation achieved a high and sustainable correction effect, and the other participants have gained valuable social and work skills to help their future re-socialization. In order to optimize this effect, the screening of the participants can be enhanced in the future by the participation of the education prison coordinator during the interviews.
Certification Tools We used the module “decorative painting” of the Flemish Department of Education to certify the creative skills of the prisoners.
Networking We had a public occurrence during the EPEA Training Conference 2017 in Vienna. http://www.epea.org/2017/
“Roberto Zucco” / Theatre-Project in the Youth-Prison Berlin Promoting Organization: AUFBRUCH – GERMANY
Short description of the experimentation The project is a theatre Project with 15 inmates in the Youth Prison Berlin lead by external professional Artists. After 12 weeks of rehearsals we show 6 public performances in the Prison. This project is an artistic and theatrical reflection about the role of criminal idols and also a critical reflection about the role of art. The project will facilitate new social, professional and artistic skills to the participants in all phases, from the beginning to the public performances. aufBruch wants to involve the audience to get a new view on the prison and on inmates and to stimulate a more active role of the society to reintegrate inmates. This Project will be evaluated by a professional external Evaluation Institute during the whole process. aufBruch will certify the work of the participants with the methods of the Cultural Competency Record, the German Certification System for artistic and cultural skills and competences. This Certification shows the skills and competences which the participants gained in this project and it should help him to get better chances at the labour marked in Germany and in Europe.
| Experimentation place | Youth Prison Berlin, Germany | |
| Type of penitentiary institutions | Closed | |
| Structural information | Duration of the experimentation in months | 4 months, from December 2016 to May 2017 |
| Duration of the training (total hours) | 240 hours | |
| Timing of the training in the week | 4 days a week / 4 or 6 hours a day | |
| Duration of other activities (if pertinent) | 2 Months Evaluation | |
| Target group | 15 young male inmates (16 – 23 years old) |
Output of the experimentation The outputs were: a theatre play with 6 public performances (each with 120 visitors), external Evaluation made by professional evaluation Company (Univation), testing the Certification system (Cultural competency Record).
Outcome of the experimentation Artistic skills:
Description of the personnel that provided the training The trainers had university degree and 2 – 20 Years of Experience in the field of artistic projects in prisons. The team was composed of: Director, Music-Trainer, Choreographer, Playwright, Video-Artist, Assistants, Scenographer, and Costume-Designer.
Role of prison staff aufBruch has a cooperation-Agreement with the youth-Prison. The Director of the Prison is involved and the direct Partner is the social-pedagogic department. From the first planning till the end of the project we stay in contact and discuss any kind of problem, and Social Workers are always accompanying the process. We work in the area of the school department and we are alone in the room with the minors during the rehearsals. The Guards and the security Department support the public performances, but there are also guards who do not understand the different methods of work in an artistic project.
Dynamics and problems of the training group To motivate the detainees to participate for 3 or 4 month in a project in the Free-Time (every week more than 20 hours) is a hard and problematic process. So a very individual motivation of every participant is necessary. Motivation can be achieved through:
Certification Tools We offered the trainees two kinds of certification:
Communication Steps:
Networking Our network:
The ArT of ChanGe Promoting Organization: EUROSUCCESS CONSULTING – CYPRUS
Short description of the experimentation The key purpose of the program is the reintegration of the valuable group of inmates, firstly within the prison community and afterwards within the society. In Cyprus, the level of stigmatization of prisoners is high, something that is a risk factor per se for their reintegration on a job level and in the society in general. Furthermore, the training program aims to focus on the prevention, in order to avoid recidivism – reoffending. The prisoners participated in psychosocial training through a series of workshops and actions related to expression through art.The workshops included:
| Experimentation place | Cyprus Prisons Department, Nicosia, Cyprus | |
| Type of penitentiary institutions | Closed -type prison | |
| Structural information | Duration of the experimentation in months | 5 months , from February to June 2017 |
| Duration of the training (total hours) | 20 hours | |
| Timing of the training in the week (1 hour a week, 2 hours in two meeting, etc.) | 2 2-hour sessions per month | |
| Target group | 20 male participants aged 21- 40, most of them primary school graduates. It was a mixture of conviction types, most of them medium level. |
Role of prison staff The Ministry of Justice and Public Order was responsible for the jail’s operation. The director of the prison had the key responsibility for the access in prison. Other stakeholders were the school coordinator who has the duty of the prison schools and the teachers who were informed about “The ArT of ChanGe” program. Additionally, prison guards were responsible for the inmates’ movements.
Dynamics and problems of the training group The main weakness identified during the process was the lack of extra time for trainers to collaborate and form a final official presentation that would have given a useful overview to their work. A recommendation for improvement was to be given extra time for activities as well as more stability on the delivery frequency.
Networking “The ArT of ChanGe” program team informed other prisons that have a close cooperation with the Cyprus’ prison department. As an example, the open prison in Crete, “Ayia”, has started using the e-learning platform. Furthermore, the program experts’ team will inform all the partners with whom there keep cooperation through other European projects. Additionally, the program’s team reported progress to “Ayia Skepi”, a close anti-drug association, which works with inmates who have drug addiction problems. What is more, it is important the contact and the communication with the municipality of Strovolos, which works with young people at risk.
Experimental Drama and Theatre Course Promoting Organization: IZMIR GOVERNORSHIP – TURKEY
Short description of the experimentation The experimentation organized for gain professional skills to the convicts through theatre. For contribution their rehabilitation process and ensure better life to them after their conviction process. Basic acting skills and guidance regarding to the labour market given to the trainees within this context for use by them in their own professional life. Trainings given within a module, designed for experimentation phase of the project, with considering needs and educational level of the trainees. Trainings given in a free communication environment among trainees and trainees to achieve its main purposes.
| Experimentation place | Izmir Probation Directorate, Izmir, Turkey | |
| Type of penitentiary institutions | Izmir Probation Institution is an open type penal institution | |
| Structural information | Duration of the experimentation in months | 3 months, from February to April 2017 |
| Duration of the training (total hours) | 144 hours | |
| Timing of the training in the week (1 hour a week, 2 hours in two meeting, etc.) | 12 hours in the week, 3 hours on a day, 4 days in a week (Tuesday to Friday) | |
| Duration of other activities (if pertinent) | There were three extra theatre show staged by trainees and four meetings with the participation of trainers and other project staff to evaluate-enhance the trainings and solve the problems. | |
| Target group | 5 male (2 of them were disabled), 1 Female and 1 transgender, in total 7 trainees from Probation Directorate. The Educational Level of the trainees was: 2 Primary School, 2 Secondary School, 2 High School, 1 High Education Level. |
Outcome of the experimentation As result of the course we were brought skills which can be used for employment, with guidance and psychology background of our trainers the experimentation also contributed trainee’s rehabilitation process and through the help of group studies, trainees learned the group discipline and get more socialize, acquire a positive perspective to trainings. Especially with the on scene theatre shows trainees gain self-esteem.
Target approach and selection The trainees were selected from a volunteer group of convicts from Izmir Probation Directorate, after private interviews with trainers, who have minimum primary school diploma so that they are able to read.
Dynamics and problems of the training group According to module we implemented, first lessons such as communication, diction courses planned to teach through formal education methods, like lecturing, question-answer, but it dropped the interest of the trainees to the course. After this problem appeared we decided to use combine formal and non-formal methods in those lessons. This decision was increased the trainees willing to experimentation. We used warming up exercises, exercises to boost attention, on-line videos, exercise and plays on effective communication, diction. After this changing on training strategy trainees became more willing and enthusiastic to the experimentation, and it affected positively to the experimentation result.
Certification Tools It is obligatory to get approval for course schedule and also for course content from TR National Education Directorate for certification of a adult education training activity In Turkey. Therefore we have worked in cooperation with TR National Educational Directorate of Izmir - Buca Public Education Centre for certification of experimental drama & theatre course. We have opened our experimental course after get approval from The Centre, through that way we ensure a valid certificate to our trainees after the course. The drama course attendance certificate of National Education Directorate, prove that owner has skills to work in the field of basic acting such as figurant actor, animator in touristic enterprises. This certificate also valid in abroad if it’s translated and approved by the Education Directorate.
Communication To organize the experimentation we had to take permissions from public body institution. We used Face to face communication with authorities for planning the phases of experimentation and used official letters concern the matter for formalizes it. To ensure healthy communication between the projects staff, meetings held before and during the experimentation. Trainers and other project staff has participated and all kind of matters, problems, and works discussed during those meetings. Of course E-mail was also a useful communication tool during the experimentation between project staff. Face to face interviews and interviews through phone technics were used for communication with stakeholders.
Networking Our network:
Oltre il cortile 2017 Promoting Organization: TEATRO DELL’ORTICA - ITALY
Short description of the experimentation The aim of the project is the application of methods and tools of social theatre for the benefit of prisoners. In our project through the theatre workshop we build with the inmates a bridge towards the outside. The world outside, from children to adults, comes into contact with the prison, which remains part of the community. That's why we included in our project not only a theatre workshop with female detainees inside the prison, but also theatre workshops outside, with students (children and adolescents), their parents and teachers. During eight months four different groups build together a theatre performance in which they are both actors and writers, and learn to know each other through letters, without actually meeting. They will meet only in the end, in the theatre, for performing on the stage altogether. Working with the outside community we can provide a concrete answer to the main requirement of the detainees: the need to know how to best manage one's own self, self-confidence, the ability to relate positively with the other. Prisoners need to " rebuild " themselves after a heavy " penalty ", given as a result of circumstances faced during the life path. Social Theatre is for them an effective opportunity to take a path to support themselves in the emancipation from the discomfort.
| Experimentation place | Prison of Pontedecimo, Genoa, Italy Teatro dell'Ortica, Genoa, Italy Primary school “Anna Frank”, Serra Riccò, Italy Secondary school “Don Milani”, Genoa, Italy | |
| Type of penitentiary institutions | Closed | |
| Structural information | Duration of the experimentation in months | Eight months, from November 2016 to June 2017 |
| Duration of the training (total hours) | 65 hours | |
| Timing of the training in the week (1 hour a week, 2 hours in two meeting, etc.) | Theatre workshop inside the prison: once a week, 2 hours. One rehearsal inside the prison with all the adults involved. Three days performing in the theatre. Final meeting inside the prison for greetings and internal monitoring. | |
| Duration of other activities (if pertinent) | Workshop with the parents and the teachers in Teatro dell'Ortica: once a week, 2 hours Workshops with the students: during school hours. | |
| Target group | The theatre workshop inside the prison was attended by a group of 13 female detainees (with a final sentence, and a period of sentence long enough to allow the participation to the whole process), aged from 24 to 60. Four of them left the workshop in the very final phase because they ended their period of sentence. One more detainee, on probation, fully attended our outside workshop with the external community. So the group which made our final performance was made of ten detainees. In addition the project involved two classes from two different schools (primary school, 10/11 years old; secondary school, 12/13 years old) parents and teachers of the young students and active citizens (the theatre workshop in Teatro dell'Ortica is open to everyone). |
Output of the experimentation The output of the experimentation was a theatre performance involving the four different groups, “Amore maschile, femminile, neutro”, which was staged three times in Teatro dell'Archivolto, one of the most important theatres in Genova. The theme chosen for the performance was love: a universal theme, something that everyone can relate to, inside and outside the prison, something that deeply affects the life of everyone, either in a positive or negative way.
Outcome of the experimentation The final rehearsal in the theatre, the last one before the performance and the only one with all the participants involved, was a strong test of collaboration, effective time management and problem solving.
Training Delivery methods The theatre activities are based on a pedagogical methodology. All workshops are characterized by a common structure divided into three phases:
Role of prison staff We collaborated with the prison staff throughout all the phases of the project. In the beginning, they helped us with building the group of detainees that would have participated to the project. During the period of the activities keeping each other updated about the progress and about the condition of the detainees and their reactions to the activities.
Dynamics and problems of the training group Keeping the detainees updated about the workshop outside, and the work made by the children in school, helped a lot with motivating them. They were always fascinated by the in-depth texts that the children were sending them. Also, as we said, the presence of children in the project urges the detainees to be delicate and show themselves in the best way possible. Another point which helped building a good and creative atmosphere during the workshop was the possibility to build up a dramaturgy entirely made by the group itself, because everyone is feeling that he is contributing to the performance with his own ideas and stories.
Networking Teatro dell'Ortica is part of the National Association of Theatre in Jail, which ensures a wide-ranging connection with national realities and dissemination of the project. Recently, Teatro dell'Ortica organized the “Destini incrociati” festival, which is also a meeting for the various organizations involved in the Association, and there we had the opportunity to speak about Skills for Freedom too. VIDEO REPORTAGE OF THE FINAL PERFORMANCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOxeLcKLkuU VIDEO-SUMMARY OF THE PERFORMANCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyUs7n7jJos
The Art of Life within the Life of Art Promoting Organization: UPSDA – BULGARIA
Short description of the experimentation This program “Find your art: The Art of Life within the Life of Art” aimed to develop practical work related skills through artistic activities. Participants took part of several workshops, starting with business skills and entrepreneurship, going through Decoupage, Spirit effect and finishing with Theatre production. Prisoners were proposed a Module of so-called Simulation Learning Company, which was established as a real working company, based on Bulgarian laws and regulations. The same company was then responsible for managing the artistic activities, the event management and the promotion of the products. Due to their personal roles within the team this game improved additional skills, such as for taking responsibility for their actions, motivation for work, taking an active part of the decision-making process. Nevertheless, it equipped the inmates with real-life business and job skills. The products, developed during the artistic workshops are marketed and sold for real and the money used for materials for the next workshops and to subsidise the final exhibition and development of the portfolios.
| Experimentation place | Plovdiv Prison, Bulgaria | |
| Type of penitentiary institutions | Closed | |
| Structural information | Duration of the experimentation in months | 7 months, from December 2016 to July 2017 |
| Duration of the training (total hours) | 200 hours | |
| Timing of the training in the week (1 hour a week, 2 hours in two meeting, etc.) | From 6 to 20 hours in a week, 2 - 5 times a week | |
| Duration of other activities (if pertinent) | Methodology of special rehabilitation program development – 5 days Advocacy meeting – 1 day Presentation of the project in front of inmates – 1 day Selection of participants – 2 days TOT training – 1 day Monthly partners meeting – minimum 2 hours a month | |
| Target group | In total more than 40 male inmates (aged between 18 and 55+) were involved in program. The participants were with different educational level and different convictions, the only condition was that the expiration of the sentence should not before the end of the program |
Output of the experimentation Every workshop had its products: Easter decoration (using decoupage techniques on magnets, bottles, eggs, boxes and other items), items made by recycled paper, paintings. They all were exhibited on an event outside the prison and a theatre performance was held in front of other inmates, prison staff and specialists from other NGOs.
Outcome of the experimentation Competencies listed in the framework of the I.O.1:
Description of the personnel that provided the training The personnel were composed of a psychologist, with 15 years of experience in the field of correctional work and skills training, and a Theatre and Cinema Director and Actress, with more than 7 years of experience. In addition we had a lot of volunteers in our project: social workers and specialists from CSRIVPLSB, a teacher from vocational school, staff from prison - Psychologist and ISDVR.
Role of prison staff In our work, prison staff had active role: they were with us all the time and even conducted their own art-workshops, e.g. Japanese applied art and Plastics. The program had an impact even on those, who were sceptical prior to it.
Target approach and selection We did interviews with prisoners and an initial selection of participants for the intervention groups (with focus on prisoners, who are disadvantaged - representatives of ethnic minorities origin, drug users and prisoners with mental health issues/disorders). Provisionally 80 interviews were conducted with prisoners in the presence of a contracted psychologist on the project and psychologist from prison, or ISDVR’s (inspector social and correctional work). Tree-way agreement was established and code of ethics for participation. The meetings also served to motivate participants to comply with the program. The interviews give clarity to the participants regarding the group approaches, the aims of the programme, the methods used, the rules of group work and specified issues by the participants, which they would like to address during the length of the programme.
Certification Tools Assessment was made by teachers pre-program, mid-program and post-program. Evaluation and assessment were done from teachers to clients and from clients to teachers, the first one through questionnaires, assessing their initial competences and at the end of the program; the second one with clients filling in feedback forms at the end of every module and assessing the program methodology. Also, throughout the whole program, we had teacher’s assessment of skills and self-assessment exercises, and also peer-to-peer assessment. The assessment scale for teachers was in 3 parts: assessment for behaviour and assessment for understanding, as well as assessment of competences.
Communication Used cannels:
Networking Our network:
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