The ESF in the news

No bars to skills

27/09/2013

Latvia gives new skills to help ex-prisoners reintegrate better

An ESF project in Latvia has proved successful in giving people in prison the chance to acquire the new skills that will give them a second chance. Over the past three years, 850 prisoners have participated in training and educational programmes offering job-related skills for employment as welders, electricians, lathe operators, carpenters and assistant cooks, among others. Where needed, basic literacy and numeracy training is also provided – some 50 people have been helped.

Each prisoner received training tailored to their education and experience, with particular attention given to those approaching release from detention in order to maximise the impact of the training on their reintegration in society.