The RECOMMIT project, coordinated by the T.Η.S.C. was completed and recognized as a Good Practice by Erasmus+
The European project RECOMMIT – woRksitE COMMunIcaTion, with the code 2022-1-CY01-KA220-ADU-000088959, has been successfully completed and awarded with the official “Good Practice” distinction by the European Commission, which underlines the quality, innovation and impact of the project in the field of adult education and social reintegration. This evaluation was carried out through the Erasmus+ Results Platform and is a great honour for all stakeholders involved.
The project was funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union for a total amount of 250,000 euros and lasted from November 2022 to December 2024. The coordination was undertaken by the Theological School of the Church of Cyprus, while the partnership included five other experienced and well-established organisations: the EPANODOS – Centre for Social Reintegration of Released Offenders (Greece), Associació Social Andròmines (Spain), ENOROS Consulting Ltd (Cyprus), UCLan Cyprus Ltd (Cyprus) and the University of Oradea (Romania).
The aim of RECOMMIT was to respond to one of the most complex and topical social challenges: Facilitate detainees’ wellbeing and social reintegration and achieve a long term and stable employability and the effective preparation of prisoners before their release for their reintegration into the labour market and society. Many of these people face long-standing barriers such as social stigma, incompetent education and lack of appropriate communication skills, which make it particularly difficult to adapt to the new challenges of the market place. Strengthening social reintegration is a key strategic priority at European level, as recidivism comes at a high social and economic cost.
To address the above, the project developed an innovative blended learning programme that combined face-to-face training sessions with Virtual Reality (VR) technologies. The training content focused on Interpersonal Communication Skills (ICS) in three key areas of work interaction: communication with customers, cooperation with colleagues and relationship with supervisors. Through simulated realistic scenarios in the virtual world, participants were able to cultivate critical skills such as active listening, conflict resolution, boundary setting and collaboration in a safe and supportive learning environment.
At the same time, the project developed a tailored training programme for prison staff to enhance their capacity to implement modern and pedagogically effective communication practices and to use digital tools in supporting prisoners. The pilot implementation of the programme in four countries confirmed its effectiveness: participating prisoners reported increased self-confidence, improved communication skills and greater readiness for professional integration after their release. Beyond educational and technological innovation, RECOMMIT also emphasized public dissemination and awareness-raising.
Through events, publications and outreach activities to policy makers and employers, it highlighted the importance of second chances and promoted the creation of a support framework for the social rehabilitation of ex-prisoners. The recognition of the project as Good Practice attests to the successful combination of the social mission with scientific evidence and pedagogical quality.
RECOMMIT leaves behind a sustainable, fully usable educational model that can be adopted by correctional institutions, training centres, social services and reintegration agencies. Its contribution to creating a more inclusive and just society is tangible and lasting, offering not only education but also hope for a new beginning.
For more information about the project, please visit its website https://recommit-project.eu/
