The Second Chance School of Domokos in Greece has recently coordinated the Erasmus+ project enhAncing digital SkillS In priSon education - ASSIST, partnering with the University of Thessaly’s computing department in Volos and the University of Almeria in Spain. This initiative, now approaching to its conclusion, focused on delivering digital skills training to incarcerated adult learners. The curriculum included foundational courses in basic computing—primarily Windows operating system—word processing using Microsoft Word, and an introduction to Python programming. The project’s core aim was to reduce the digital divide faced by prisoners and to support their rehabilitation and social reintegration by equipping them with essential digital competencies.

The ASSIST program reflects a broader European understanding that digital literacy is a critical factor for employability and social inclusion, particularly for marginalized groups such as people in prison. Tailored to the constraints and security requirements of the correctional environment, the courses fostered not only technical skills but also confidence and motivation among participants. This aligns with findings from other adult education initiatives that emphasize the importance of digital skills in enhancing self-efficacy and preparing learners for life beyond incarceration.

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Internationally, the Domokos project drew inspiration from successful models such as “The Last Mile” in the United States and the UK’s “Code4000” initiative. The Last Mile, operating in San Quentin State Prison, teaches coding and entrepreneurship, boasting a zero percent recidivism rate among its graduates and facilitating their transition into technology-related employment. Similarly, Code4000, funded by the UK government, delivers staged programming courses in prisons and supports offenders with employment hubs post-release. Both programs demonstrate how digital education can transform lives and reduce reoffending by providing marketable skills and ongoing support.

The ASSIST project exemplifies how Erasmus+ can foster innovative, inclusive adult learning interventions in challenging contexts like prisons. By sharing methodologies and outcomes, it contributes to the growing European dialogue on prison education as a vital component of social policy and justice. This initiative not only empowers incarcerated learners with digital skills but also helps build safer communities by supporting successful reintegration and reducing recidivism. For adult education professionals and policymakers, ASSIST offers a valuable model of cooperation between schools and universities to address digital exclusion among vulnerable populations.

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The project is expected to finish late July with the implementation of a multiplier event that will be held in the facilities of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the University of Thessaly in Volos, where interested parties and stakeholders will have the chance to exchange ideas and suggestions for the project and the implementation of other similar initiatives inside prison facilities. 

The overall material of ASSIST project, which is divided into 3 parts of 8 lessons each – basic computing, Word and Python – will be very soon available in the resource center of EPALE platform, in 3 European languages (Greek, English and Spanish).

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