Prisoner education and social rehabilitation are the most powerful tools to prevent recidivism. Although the Italian penitentiary system is making progress in providing educational and training opportunities, many challenges remain. In 2023, according to data from the Department of Penitentiary Administration (DAP) and Istat, 40% of inmates have a middle school or lower educationwith an illiteracy rate of 1.4%.
In Italian prisons, during the 2022-2023 school year, only 34.2% of inmates participated in educational courses, and among these, less than half successfully completed the course. This article analyses how education and vocational training have become crucial elements for the recovery and reintegration of inmates.
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Education in prison: an opportunity to be exploited
The education of prisoners is one of the most concrete opportunities for offer a new perspective on lifealthough it is not the only form of social education available; Also the sport plays a significant role. However, the data reveal a significant disparity between the number of inmates enrolled in educational courses and those who successfully complete the course. In fact, in the period 2022-2023, only 45.1% of those enrolled in school courses were promoted, highlighting a significant gap between participation and educational results.
Despite these difficulties, There are encouraging signs: 44 Italian universities are members of the National Consortium of Rectors’ Delegates for Penitentiary University Centers (CNUPP), which has allowed 1,439 inmates to enroll in university courses during the 2022-2023 academic year. This project aims to extend access to education for inmates also within prisons, with the aim of reduce relapse e promote a true social reintegration through learning.
Prisoners by educational qualification in Italy (percentage values), 2023. Source: data processing by the Department of Penitentiary Administration (DAP) and Istat, 2024
Prisoner Education: A Path to Reintegration
Vocational training has become increasingly central to the education of prisoners and social rehabilitationshowing significant growth in recent years. In 2023, approximately 6% of the prison population participated in training courses, a figure that marks an increase compared to previous years. Between 2021 and 2023, the number of courses activated has grown by 85%confirming an ever-increasing commitment to making training opportunities available. This has led to a notable There was also an increase in the number of participants, which rose by 117% in the same period. 2023 also saw a particularly positive result: the percentage of inmates who successfully completed the courses reached a significant 89%, demonstrating that, in addition to the growth in training offerings, the quality and effectiveness of these courses also had a decisive impact.
Number of training courses activated and prisoners registered in Italian prisons, from 2006 to 2023. Source: data processing by the Department of Penitentiary Administration (DAP) 2024
The future of social rehabilitation between education and work
The challenge to achieve zero recidivism in Italy cannot be limited to the provision of educational and training programs, but must embrace a broader vision and structured to put the human potential of prisoners at the centre. Prisoner education and training are only the first step towards a deeper change. There needs to be a closer integration between the penitentiary system and the outside world, through strong partnerships with the manufacturing and business sector. The skills acquired during detention must be transformed into real job opportunities once outside, creating a “bridge” between the period of imprisonment and the return to society.
It is essential that the Permanent Secretariat for Economic and Social Inclusion continues to strengthen its activities, ensuring that training and work spaces within prisons are used to their full potential. The 365 active spaces are not enough: we need to invest to redevelop the 262 inactive spaces, transforming them into innovation hubs, where the dialogue with local businesses becomes continuous and fruitful.
Ultimately, education and work are tools for inclusionbut they must be supported by a system that promotes immediate reintegration into the productive fabric, reducing the distances between prisons and businesses. Only in this way will it be possible to build a penitentiary system that does not limit itself to guarding, but that concretely prepare prisoners for a better future.
Data Source: Ministry of Justice – Penitentiary Administration Departments