New UNESCO collection of innovative practices from prison libraries

October 21, 2024

At the Montreal International Conference on Education in Prison held earlier this month, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) launched an online collection of innovative practices in prison education. The collection features 16 case studies highlighting successful initiatives from prison libraries that champion the right to lifelong learning for incarcerated individuals.

The collection includes case studies from the following countries:

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Chile
• France
• Indonesia
• Kenya
• Norway
• Philippines
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Thailand
• United Kingdom
• United States

UIL launches global collection of best practices in prison education

The collection features 16 case studies highlighting successful initiatives from prison libraries that champion the right to lifelong learning for incarcerated individuals.

17 October 2024 — The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) has launched an online collection of innovative practices in prison education at the Montreal International Conference on Education in Prison, taking place from 16 to 18 October 2024. The collection features 16 case studies highlighting successful initiatives from prison libraries that champion the right to lifelong learning for incarcerated individuals.

Today, around 11 million people are incarcerated worldwide, many with no access to education. Yet, research shows that prison education reduces recidivism by providing inmates with skills and knowledge that enhance their chances of successful reintegration. It also lowers prison violence and supports personal development, giving prisoners the opportunity to rebuild their self-esteem and contribute positively to their communities after release.

The cases featured in UIL’s new collection, spanning countries from Chile to Indonesia, cover diverse themes. These include innovative programmes that provide inmates with digital skills, green competencies and entrepreneurial tools. The collection also highlights several prison libraries that promote literacy development.

In addition to programme details, the collection emphasizes key impact data and personal testimonies, illustrating the transformative power of prison education and libraries across the world.

The Montreal International Conference on Prison Education, co-organized by UIL, will host the launch of the collection during a panel session showcasing inspiring prison education practices in UNESCO Learning Cities.

Learn more:

Explore the online collection here.

If you are interested in contributing to this collection, please contact Katie Jones (k.jones@unesco.org) and Lisa Krolak (l.krolak@unesco.org) at UIL.

Learn more about UIL’s work on prison education here.

(Via UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning)