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It is with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation to attend and welcome the end of the research project SEMELI, which deals with the digital exclusion of socially and geographically marginalized young prisoners, implemented by the European University Cyprus in collaboration with other institutions.
On the occasion of today's event, allow me to congratulate European University Cyprus and especially the Vice-Rector for Research and External Affairs, Prof.
It is important and worthwhile, given that the research subject of the project concerns an important and sensitive aspect of the prison system, such as enhancing the knowledge, competences and skills of prisoners and prison staff.
It is important and worthwhile, given that the research subject of the project concerns an important and sensitive aspect of the prison system, such as enhancing the knowledge, competences and skills of prisoners and prison staff.
It is undeniable that the role of media and digital technology in modern society is now crucial and should undoubtedly be part of the education of young people, but especially young people who are socially marginalised, such as prisoners. Projects such as Semeli help to promote the media education of these young people through innovative methods and practices and, by extension, their social reintegration.
Today, imprisonment does not simply mean the incarceration of a person who has committed an offence and has been given a prison sentence. It means improving the conduct of that person, through psychological support, education and preparation for reintegration into society.
In the Prison Department, significant efforts are made to promote a human-centred approach to prisoners, respect for their human rights, with a view to their rehabilitation and social reintegration. The education of both prisoners and the staff of the Prison Department is an integral and important part of the penitentiary policy promoted by the Ministry of Correctional Services.
The education of prisoners is their right, which is guaranteed by the Constitution, the Prison Law and the Council of Europe Recommendations on "Education in Prisons".
The education of prisoners is aimed at creatively filling the gap, acquiring and developing social and basic skills, improving their self-esteem, finding employment after release and their smooth reintegration into society, as well as reducing crime. Research has shown that the participation of prisoners in educational programmes is inextricably linked to their smooth social reintegration, as well as to the reduction of recidivism and return to prison.
Recognizing the benefits of prisoners' education both during their detention and especially after their release from prison, the Ministry of Correctional Services continuously enhances the educational programmes of the Prison Schools in order to meet their needs and the technological and socio-economic developments in society. The culmination of this effort is that today, in addition to their formal qualifications such as a high school diploma, high school diploma or university degree, prisoners can also acquire specialised vocational training, broadening both their knowledge and, in particular, their possibilities of finding employment after their release.
At this point I would like to remind you that the implementation of a pioneering four million euro Incentive Plan for the Labour Rehabilitation of released prisoners, as approved by the Council of Ministers, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of this Plan and the Labour Rehabilitation of released prisoners, between the Ministry of Justice and Public Order and the Federation of Employers and Industrialists, is underway. Suffice it to mention that the interest of enterprises in employing released prisoners of all specialties has exceeded all expectations since, by 8 March 2023, 62 placements of released prisoners were made in as many enterprises on a nationwide basis.
In addition, we support, together with two other Ministries, the Cyprus Independent Addiction Treatment Authority in support and rehabilitation programmes for drug-dependent released prisoners.
On the occasion of the completion of the SEMELI research project, I would like to assure you that our aim is to continuously upgrade the Prison School programmes in order to adapt them to the composition and needs of the prison population and to keep them in line with the educational system of the country.
At the same time, our priority is the continuous training of all prison staff, also adapted to socio-economic and technological changes, in order to ensure the proper functioning of prisons, the maintenance of security and order in prisons and the protection of prisoners' rights.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am confident that the results of this Research Project will be particularly beneficial to the improvement and upgrading of our prison system and that they will enhance our efforts to reform and social reintegration of prisoners for the benefit of themselves, their families and society at large.
For our part, as the Government, I assure you that the results of the implementation of the Programme will be studied seriously and will be used to enhance the educational work carried out in prisons. Marios Vryonidis, the students who participated in the implementation of the project and all those involved in the project.
/SX
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Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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