ASSIST - enhAncing digital SkillS In priSon educaTion

Summary

The ASSIST project was implemented by the 1st Second Chance School of Domokos (coordinator) from December 2023 to July 2025 (20 months), with the participation of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Thessaly (Volos, Greece) and the Department of Computer Science at the University of Almería (Spain). Its primary objective was to address digital exclusion among adult inmates at Domokos Prison, whose restricted access to computers and digital resources isolates them from everyday digital life and modern employment opportunities. 

“The ASSIST project reminded us that inclusion is not just a concept - it’s a daily practice. By integrating digital skills into our classrooms, we created real second chances for people who need them most.” 

Topic(s) addressed

• Digital skills and competences 
• Creating new, innovative or joint curricula or courses 
• Inclusion, promoting equality and non-discrimination 

Target group(s)  

• 12 adult incarcerated learners of the 1^st Second Chance School of Domokos 

Methodologies used

The ASSIST project used practical, learner-centred methods that brought together digital skills, personal growth, and real-life experiences. Learning took place through active participation, with learners involved in hands-on activities and continuous feedback rather than only a final assessment. This approach was implemented through targeted courses on digital literacy (basic ICT skills, word processing and Python programming). It connected formal, non-formal, and informal learning, especially in prison settings, making education more meaningful. The project encouraged inclusion, cooperation, and confidence, giving learners an active role. 

Innovation environment

The ASSIST project supported innovative teaching by using the organisation itself as a space for change and collaboration. It built a positive and open climate where both educators and learners felt safe to try new approaches. The 24 structured courses served as a key resource, offering flexible and practical content that could be adapted to different learning needs and contexts. To ensure sustainability, all 24 courses were uploaded to the project website, the Erasmus+ Project Results Platform, and EPALE, making them openly accessible, reusable, and easy to transfer to other educational settings. 

Teachers’ role

In the ASSIST project, teachers and trainers acted as active innovators, adapting methods and content to meet learners’ needs. They fostered a supportive environment that promoted wellbeing, trust, and motivation, especially in the challenging context of prison education. Their skills in digital tools, facilitation, and learner-centred approaches were strengthened through the project. At the same time, regular cooperation and peer learning helped educators share ideas, reflect together, and find practical solutions, making teaching and learning more effective. 

Impact and output

The ASSIST project had a clear positive impact on its target group of 12 incarcerated learners, improving their digital skills, confidence, and motivation to engage in learning. It supported participants with fewer opportunities by offering accessible, meaningful, and tailored learning experiences within the challenging prison setting. Beyond this direct impact, the project also had a wider reach, as teachers, trainers, and partner organisations adopted its methods and resources, extending the benefits to other learners and educational contexts. 

Learn more about the project