New platform promotes vocational skills among young individuals in closed institutions

The TRIANGLE online platform provides a safe haven for young people in educational centres, acting as a bridge connecting them to the outside world, and fostering the acquisition of essential skills relevant to contemporary society.

At a time when the digital landscape is shaping the trajectory of societal progress, the need for vocational and digital skills has become increasingly crucial for employment. This demand is particularly important when talking about incarcerated youngsters who face unique challenges in accessing education and preparing for the workforce.

The TRIANGLE project emerges as a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to transforming the lives of young people within closed institutions. Recognising the profound impact of education in breaking the cycle of incarceration, TRIANGLE is committed to delivering a secure digital education platform tailored to vocational skills. At its heart is a customised online platform that not only provides a safe haven for young people in educational centres but also acts as a bridge connecting them to the outside world.

The TRIANGLE project

The TRIANGLE project is dedicated to establishing a secure digital education system tailored for vocational skills among young individuals in closed institutions. Its primary objective is to create a customised online platform providing a safe environment for both youngsters and adults in secure care and detention centres.

By harnessing the potential of this digital platform, the project endeavours to enhance connections between the individuals incarcerated and the outside world, fostering the acquisition of essential skills relevant to contemporary society.

In pursuit of these goals, the project is actively developing training, learning, and practice activities designed for a diverse audience, including staff and young individuals in youth centres across Europe, as well as external trainers and teachers. The emphasis is on equipping individuals with the skills necessary for a successful reintegration into society and increased employment opportunities post-institutionalisation.

The TRIANGLE consortium is currently proceeding with the construction and the pilots of its platform with the involvement of young individuals deprived of liberty, providing a valuable opportunity to gather feedback on the platform’s efficacy and identify potential areas for improvement or additional resources.

The platform is divided into four segments (for Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Europe) with country, and regional-specific content attentive to contexts, needs and languages. The European hub will be available in English with a broader approach in terms of content.

The Portuguese branch of the TRIANGLE platform, led by IPS_Innovative Prison Systems and Aproximar – Cooperativa de Solidariedade Social, addresses a variety of essential topics through eight distinct sections. Each menu is carefully designed to provide the young people using it with a comprehensive and engaging educational experience.

Preview of the Portuguese contents on the TRIANGLE platform.

Example of a post about mental health within the TRIANGLE platform.

Example of a learining pathway within the TRIANGLE platform.

The “Relationship Academy” menu focuses on personal development, interpersonal relationships, and issues related to family and parenting. In “From 0 to 100!”, we explore the concept of lifelong learning, encouraging a continuous growth mindset.

“Travel the World” takes users on a journey of globalisation and active citizenship, while “Embrace your Talent” is dedicated to entrepreneurship and preparation for the job market, presenting tools such as CVs and Motivation Letters.

The ” Technology Genie” menu delves into digital literacy, while the “First-Aid Kit” addresses health and wellbeing issues. “Money in your Wallet” focuses on financial literacy and entrepreneurship, and “Guardian of the Planet” explores issues of sustainable development and social responsibility.

Each menu is subdivided into specific topics, presenting basic concepts, practical activities, tests, and multimedia content, including informative videos. The structure of the interactive pathways and blog posts encourages the exploration of safe, pre-selected external information, promoting dynamic learning and an in-depth understanding of the topics covered, while encouraging the development of the digital skills addressed by the platform.

This innovative approach aims not only to inform but also to inspire young people to develop key skills for a successful future.

Staying up to date with the initiative

Everything, from the results of the upcoming pilots to updates on the project activities will be shared in the TRIANGLE project Newsletter.

The 3rd Edition of the Newsletter is now available. This newsletter explores the TRIANGLE’s progress and how the partners have been further developing the platform. Discover what the consortium has been working on and their events. Get to know the partners involved in this ground-breaking initiative and how you can support this vital work.