Cyprus
Pilot Activities / Training Sessions – Cyprus
Location: Cyprus, SYNTHESIS Center for Research and Education
Description: As part of the PROTA project’s pilot implementation, a training programme was delivered in Cyprus, coordinated by SYNTHESIS Center for Research and Education. The training focused on enhancing soft skills inmates and ex-inmates (mostly focusing on ex-inmates), using the PROTA Toolkit, including the Virtual Reality (VR) Job Interview Simulation.
The sessions aimed to prepare participants for reintegration into the workforce and society by developing communication, decision-making, and problem-solving competencies. The sessions followed a structured format. Trainers utilized both traditional and digital educational tools, combining activities, discussions, and simulations. Participants were engaged, and the use of VR was effective in encouraging interaction and motivation. The environment was inclusive and supportive, fostering trust and participation among all. Everyone felt welcomed and valued, regardless of background or experience. Open communication encouraged collaboration and innovation. Team members listened to each other and provided constructive feedback. Various activities ensured everyone could contribute, nurturing a positive atmosphere for creativity and productivity.
Multiplier Event / Final Conference – Romania
Date: 13.06.2025
Location: Bucharest-Rahova Penitentiary
Description: The project concluded with a public conference presenting results, outcomes, and best practices. Stakeholders, partners in the field of social reintegration attended to discuss sustainability and future collaoration.
Pilot Activities / Training Session – Greece
Location: Greece – DIAS VET
Description: As part of the PROTA project’s pilot implementation, a training programme was delivered inside a prison facility in Greece, coordinated by DIAS VET. The training focused on enhancing soft skills for prisoners, utilising the PROTA Toolkit, including the Virtual Reality (VR) educational game. The sessions aimed to prepare participants for reintegration into the workforce and society by developing communication, decision-making, and problem-solving competencies.
The sessions followed a structured and learner-friendly format. Trainers used both traditional and digital educational tools, combining participatory activities, discussions, and immersive simulations. Participants were actively engaged, and the use of VR proved particularly effective in encouraging interaction and motivation.
The environment was inclusive and supportive, fostering trust and openness among participants. Practical arrangements included seating in a semi-circle to encourage discussion, access to laptops and VR headsets, and printed materials. Photos from the sessions illustrate the dynamic and respectful learning atmosphere fostered within the prison walls.
Multiplier Event – Greece
Location: Greece – DIAS VET
Description: The Greek Multiplier Event of the PROTA project was organised by DIAS VET on 5 June 2025 in Trikala and hosted both on-site and online participants. A total of 46 stakeholders, including VET trainers, social workers, psychologists, and representatives of local authorities, participated in the event.
The event began with a welcome by Christos Goulas and a presentation of the project’s aims and outputs by Rita Chatzinikoli. The highlight of the day was a live demonstration of the PROTA Virtual Reality Game, which allowed participants to experience firsthand how immersive tools can support the development of soft skills for (ex-)prisoners.
The event also featured an open discussion and Q&A session, where attendees reflected on the applicability of the tools in correctional education and social reintegration initiatives. The session closed with positive feedback, and stakeholders expressed interest in further training opportunities and the integration of PROTA resources into their professional settings.
Multiplier Event – Italy
Cyprus
Pilot Activities / Training Sessions – Cyprus
Location: Italy, LINC SOCIETA’ COOPERATIVA SOCIALE A RESPONSABILITA’ LIMITATA-O.N.L.U.S.
Description: The pilot testing of the training programme was carried out between April and May 2025 with prisoners on the island of Elba. Each training meeting was dedicated to one module of the programme (1. Critical thinking for creative problem solving and conflict resolution; 2. Teamwork and collaboration; 3. Problem solving). Each meeting included a lecture moment with a frontal presentation of the key concepts of the skills and a second workshop moment in which participatory activities and techniques proposed in the programme were used to evaluate their use in practice. The final phase of the last meeting was devoted to group and individual evaluation of the programme.
Pilot Activities / Training Sessions – Romania
Date: 03-10.02.2025 and 29.04.2025
Location: Bucharest-Rahova Penitentiary
Description: The practical training/pilot sessions were carried out both with educators from the penitentiaries and with the inmates to test and refine the project’s materials. The participants provided valuable insights that helped improve the implementation approach.
Image: For reasons related to the strict adherence to the prison security rules, taking photographs was not permitted.
