POWER: Project Factory for Empowerment of Young People In & After Imprisonment

The main focus of the training is to explore the role and potential of non-formal education in work with young people during and after imprisonment. Together, participants will discover how non-formal learning methods can support the development of essential life skills and competences that play an important role in resocialisation and successful reintegration processes.

Through practical workshops, exchange of experiences, and peer learning, participants will gain new tools, methods, and perspectives for their work while reflecting on challenges and opportunities within different institutional and local contexts. The training will also create a space for meaningful dialogue and stronger cooperation between institutions and NGOs working with the target group.

A particular added value of this international edition will be the opportunity to exchange experiences with professionals from different countries and local realities, build partnerships, expand professional networks, and create new cooperation initiatives within the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes aimed at strengthening youth inclusion and participation.

Training Objectives:

• To explore the role and potential of non-formal education in work with young people in & after Imprisonment.
• To introduce participants to good practices and inclusive non-formal education methods through practical activities and peer exchange.
• To increase participants’ understanding of Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps opportunities related to youth inclusion and reintegration.
• To encourage cooperation between institutions and NGOs for the development of future international projects.

Participant Profile

The training course will gather 20 participants:

• Employees of closed institutions and probation services working with youth in and after imprisonment
• NGO representatives who are involved in resocialisation, reintegration, or inclusion processes related to young people in and after imprisonment and are motivated and interested in developing cooperation with closed institutions and creating joint collaboration projects
• Youth workers and municipal youth affairs specialists who are involved in resocialisation, reintegration, or inclusion processes related to young people in and after imprisonment and are motivated and interested in developing cooperation with closed institutions and creating joint collaboration projects

Participants should be motivated to develop inclusive approaches, strengthen international cooperation, and explore new project opportunities within Erasmus+ Youth and the European Solidarity Corps.

Working language: English

Programme and Venue

Monday, 26 October - arrivals from afternoon onwards, welcome session
Tuesday–Thursday, 27–29 October - training course programme
Friday, 30 October - departures after breakfast

The training will take place in Riga, the capital city of Latvia. Riga offers an accessible and welcoming environment for international activities, with a strong experience in hosting Erasmus+ and international cooperation events, while also providing opportunities to explore the city’s cultural and social diversity.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all participants. The venue and accommodation will be selected with accessibility and different participant needs in mind, and individual support needs will be considered to ensure that everyone can fully and safely participate in all elements of the training course.

Approach: Safe, Inclusive, Sustainable

• We follow the safer space principle, ensuring that no participant is discriminated against or disrespected.
• We aim to welcome participants with diverse abilities - please contact us regarding any support needs.
• We encourage environmentally responsible travel, including choosing land travel whenever possible.

Trainers:
-Linda Ulāne
-Kristīna Kastronovo

About the Initiative

This training course is part of SPI - Strategic Partnership for Inclusion and Diversity, a longterm cooperation between European National Agencies aimed at increasing both the number and the quality of projects involving young people with fewer opportunities.
This activity is organised under the SPI NEET strand.