The European Prison Education Association would like to invite you to support us in establishing an International Day of Education in Prison, to be observed annually on the 13th of October.

On the 13th of October 1989, the Council of Europe adopted a set of recommendations outlining the needs and responsibilities concerning the education of imprisoned persons. These recommendations stipulate that all imprisoned persons should be offered the opportunity to engage in educational activities and that these activities should serve to develop the whole person, be conducive to effective reintegration, and encourage a reduction in recidivism. 

These recommendations form the basis of the objectives of the European Prison Education Association, and have been ratified in the educational policies of a number of European countries, still we have a long way to go to ensure that the recommendations are sufficiently implemented across Europe and internationally.

This day will be important in helping to maintain an international awareness of the issues concerning prison education in an ever-changing world.  We hope this day will serve to encourage activities and events within prisons, raising awareness of – and celebrating the successes of – educational work in prisons, but also to keep prison education an important issue amongst policy makers, ombudsmen and other critical stakeholders.

This day will not only result in practical activities, promoting grass-roots participation by prisoners and educational professionals, but also foster symbolic support from major international organisations, furthering highlighting the importance of prison education at an international policy-making level.

In acknowledgement of your support for establishing an International Day of Education in Prison we would like to ask for your signature on this petition, showing solidarity and strengthening our collective vision.