COORDINATORS' TRAINING
COURSE
IN PORTUGAL
In November 2024, Leiria Youth Prison hosted a Coordinators’ Training Course held as part of the M4Pris project. This training course was delivered by Aproximar, Cooperativa de Solidariedade Social, CRL, and implemented in collaboration with the Directorate-General of Reintegration and Prison Services (Direção-Geral de Reinserção e Serviços Prisionais, DGRSP) at Lei ria Youth Prison, with the aim of equipping coordinators with the necessary skills and tools to ensure an effective Peer Mentoring Programme for Prison Staff.
The training cohort included professionals from diverse backgrounds, representing various genders, ages, and years of experience within the prison system. These coordinators are employed by the DGRSP at Leiria Youth Prison, where they each fulfil unique roles. A total of 10 professionals participated in the sessions, evenly split between 5 males and 5 females.
The training followed a blended learning (b-learning) format, combining asynchronous online sessions with synchronous face-to-face sessions. This approach allowed participants to thoroughly understand the theoretical content at their own pace before applying it in practical exercises during face-to-face sessions.
During the training sessions, various methods were employed, including presentations, debates, practical exercises, group activities, and role-plays. This interactive environment encouraged active participation and the exchange of experiences among participants.
The self-assessment results of the coordinators’ training course provided valuable insights into the improvement of coordinators’ skills across various competences before and after the training. The analysis revealed a significant overall improvement in the coordinators’ competences. With regard to participants’ satisfaction, they praised the trainers for their excellence, noting their ability to capture the trainees’ attention through constant interaction and successful dynamics. One participant remarked, “The trainers were excellent, they managed to capture the trainees’ attention through constant interaction with the group and successful dynamics”. Additionally, the professionalism and commitment were highly appreciated, with a participant expressing, “I congratulate the trainers for their professionalism and commitment to their mission and objectives”.
The Coordinators’ Training Course in Portugal proved to be a significant step for the professional development of those involved, ensuring the practical application of acquired skills and promoting a collaborative and effective learning environment.