VOL Qualification and Work: Helping People After Serving a Sentence Find Employment and Self-Confidence

Prague, August 12, 2025

Since October 2024, we have been implementing the project VOL Qualification and Work (Reg. No. CZ.03.01.01/00/23_056/0004021), aimed at supporting the employability of people after serving a prison sentence. This two-year project, funded by the Operational Programme Employment Plus (OPZ+), addresses the need for long-term, practically oriented support for people who, after release, are trying to reintegrate into society and the labour market.

Who is the project for?

The project targets people who:

• have experience with serving a prison sentence,

• struggle with low qualifications (including incomplete primary education) and a lack of work habits,

• face additional barriers – debts, low self-esteem, unsuitable or no education,

• need individual, flexible, and long-term support.

From experience, we know that most clients face multiple problems at the same time – and it is precisely this integrated support that is key to achieving successful change.

What do we offer participants?

The project is based on a comprehensive support system that begins during the prison sentence and includes:

• motivational programmes (activation, planning, addressing internal barriers, developing individual development plans),

• legal and debt counselling, including possible insolvency proceedings,

• education (career counselling, professional courses, retraining, job offers including accommodation, etc.),

• job placement after release,

• further pre-release preparation in cooperation with prison staff (local social services, labour office requirements, etc.),

• support upon release – training at practice sites (opportunity to gain experience in a real working environment),

• mentoring – for up to six months after release.

Each participant has their own individual support plan, with an emphasis on trust, continuity, and working in their natural environment.

How does the project build on previous work?

VOLONTÉ CZECH, o.p.s. builds on the results of previous projects and develops them into a comprehensive employment programme targeting mainly low-qualified persons B (often without completed primary education) in prison.

The solution includes:

• using the training centre in Jiřice Prison for retraining,

• workshops focused on the labour market, legal, work and debt counselling, communication, etc.,

• intensive work with mentors who also help clients after release – for example, in finding accommodation, transitioning to a practice placement, or securing stable employment.

The project thus connects the pre-release phase, the immediate post-release period, and longer-term support.

Who is behind the project?

The main implementer is VOLONTÉ CZECH, o.p.s., an organisation with many years of experience in social integration and working with people after prison sentences. The project partner is PROLUS DYNAMICS s.r.o., which provides employment opportunities and participates in the professional training process of participants in a real working environment.

What is the aim?

Employment is one of the most important protective factors against recidivism. It helps restore self-confidence, economic stability, and social bonds. The project thus contributes not only to improving the lives of individuals but also to reducing societal costs associated with repeated system failures.

Results so far:

• 450 people have already entered the project,

• 210 people are addressing debts, and 7 insolvency petitions have been filed,

• 84 people have received retraining certificates.

We believe that people deserve a second chance – if they have a real opportunity to take it.