Education as a Path to Freedom: VOLONTÉ Takes Part in a Unique Pilot Project at Světlá nad Sázavou Prison
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A first-of-its-kind vocational programme has been launched at Světlá nad Sázavou Prison, enabling convicted women to obtain a professional qualification as "Social Services Workers" through hands-on practice outside the prison environment. VOLONTÉ CZECH, o.p.s. is one of the partners of this pilot project.
On Wednesday 9 April, a ceremonial launch of the pilot vocational programme took place at Domov ve Zboží, a residential care facility for people with mental disabilities. The programme connects the prison system with real-world professional practice in social services. Ten convicted women from Světlá nad Sázavou Prison will have the opportunity to obtain a professional qualification as "Social Services Workers".
What makes the programme unique is that the practical training takes place directly at Domov ve Zboží, where the women provide care for residents with mental disabilities under professional supervision. They gain not only theoretical knowledge but above all practical skills that are in high demand in social services – from basic direct care to assistance with hygiene, meals and everyday activities.
This is the first vocational programme of its kind in the Czech Republic to connect the prison system with professional practice outside the prison.
Project Partners
The pilot programme was made possible through the collaboration of several key partners:
Světlá nad Sázavou Prison (Prison Service of the Czech Republic) – project initiator, prison director Monika Myšičková
Domov ve Zboží – venue for the practical training
Vysočina Region – regional partner
AKREDIKA, o.p.s. – professional delivery of the educational programme, holder of MŠMT accreditation
VOLONTÉ CZECH, o.p.s. – project partner within the VOL Comprehensive Employment Programme
The ceremonial launch was attended by the Director General of the Prison Service of the Czech Republic Tomáš Hůlka, prison director Monika Myšičková, director of Domov ve Zboží Jan Tourek and other distinguished guests.
Why It Matters
The main goal of the project is to support the resocialisation of convicted women and their return to everyday life. Direct contact with care home residents, responsibility for their well-being and experience in a real working environment strengthen work habits, empathy and the ability to work as part of a team. The qualification obtained can open doors to employment in homes for the elderly, facilities for people with disabilities or community-based social services.
If the programme proves successful, it could serve as a model for other prisons across the Czech Republic.
More about the project on the Prison Service of the Czech Republic website:
The project VOL Komplexní program zaměstnanosti (reg. no. CZ.03.01.01/00/24_078/0005026) is implemented under the Employment+ Operational Programme and is co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus and the state budget of the Czech Republic.
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