The EPEA Training Conference
– Let’s Talk
Join the 19th EPEA Training Conference to pioneer innovative solutions,
empower rehabilitation, and shape a future where education breaks barriers.
About the CONFERENCE
EPEA have decided to have the next training conference in Skopje from Tuesday afternoon, November 11th, until Saturday noon, November 15th.
Our partner in North Macedonia is EKE Bitola, an NGO involved in Education in prison and known from cooperation in the framework of Erasmus+ projects.
The programme will offer around 20 training workshops as well as keynotes speakers and round tables in the plenary.
So that potential participants can apply for Erasmus + funding, we wish to provide the following information
The main objectives of the conference are:
- Learn about the reality in Education in Prison all over Europe
- Exchange of expertise from all professions involved in Education in Prison
- Know more about best practices in Education in Prison
- Learn from practitioners’ and researchers’ expertise
- Exchange of experiences in the daily life of teaching in prison
- Reflecting on one’s own professional experience in Education in Prison
- Building up a personal network for continuing sustainable exchange after the conference.
About EPEA
EPEA is an organisation made up of prison educators, administrators, governors, researchers and other professionals whose interests lie in promoting and developing education and related activities in prisons throughout Europe in accordance with the recommendations of the Council of Europe. EPEA is recognised by the Council of Europe as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). It is commited to working with prison administrations in Europe to further its aims, but is totally free-standing and independent.Apart from serving the aims of the organisation by encouraging the formation of national branches, etc. the EPEA organises a major international conference on prison education every two years.
KEY ACTIVITIES
1. Professional Networking and Development
- EPEA connects a network of professional teachers, educators and researchers across Europe, offering opportunities to collaborate and exchange best practice.
- EPEA holds webinars and conferences and publishes newsletters focused on prison education to promote and share new practices in prison education which contribute to positive outcomes for students in custody and after their release.
2. Access to Resources
- EPEA promotes research papers, reports and publications on prison education.
- EPEA provides access to a comprehensive database of educational materials and resources tailored to prison education.
3. Advocacy and Representation
- EPEA represents its members at the European level, ensuring that the interests of prison teachers, educators and students are considered in policy discussions.
- EPEA offers advocacy efforts to improve prison education systems and practices.
4. Collaborative Projects
- EPEA aims to participate in collaborative projects and research initiatives, offering a platform for dissemination and discussion amongst a wide audience.
- EPEA promotes case studies and opportunities for cultural exchange to learn about different practices within prison education across Europe.
5. Strong membership organisation
- EPEA provides significant support and enhancement to the professional lives of those involved in prison education, contributing to personal growth, improved educational practices, and better outcomes for incarcerated individuals.
- EPEA recognises and celebrates outstanding contributions to prison education.
About the Host Organisation – EKE Bitola
The “Association for Non-Formal Education EUROPEAN CULTURAL EPICENTER Bitola” (EKE Bitola) is the host of the 19th EPEA Conference 2025, which will take place in Skopje, North Macedonia. EKE Bitola is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting inclusive and accessible education through non-formal learning methods.
EKE Bitola Vision
An inclusive society with active citizens who are personally and professionally accomplished.
Our Mission
To promote lifelong learning through non-formal education that is accessible to everyone, regardless of background or status.
EKE Bitola become actively involved in prison education through the project “Erasmus+ Pathways for Change”, which aims to promote the Erasmus+ and ESC programme among institutions working with young offenders. The initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of organisations and correctional institutions to support rehabilitation, reintegration and lifelong learning.
EKE Bitola has a long-standing commitment to creating international educational opportunities for both young people and adults, with a strong emphasis on empowerment through mobility and non-formal learning. Through youth exchanges, training courses, job shadowing, and volunteering placements, we have enabled hundreds of participants—especially those from marginalised backgrounds—to gain new skills, broaden their perspectives, and become more engaged in their communities. We believe that mobility experiences are transformative and key to fostering self-confidence, intercultural understanding, and lifelong learning.
Our projects are grounded in values of equity, participation, and inclusion, and we continue to expand our network of partners across Europe to ensure access to quality learning experiences for all.
Our Strategic Priorities (2025–2029)
1. Promotion of Non-Formal Education
Creating opportunities and raise awareness among institutions and citizens about the value of non-formal education and its role in personal development, inclusion and lifelong learning
2. Education in the Penitentiary System
Supporting rehabilitation and reintegration through educational programmes in prisons.
3. Sport and Physical Activity
Encouraging healthy lifestyles and social inclusion through sport-based initiatives.
4. Digital Transformation
Strengthening digital skills and infrastructure for inclusive learning.
5. Media Literacy
Empowering individuals to critically engage with media and combat disinformation.
6. Sustainable Development
Raising awareness and promoting practices that contribute to environmental and social sustainability.
7. Shrinking Cities
Addressing the challenges of population decline in smaller urban areas through education, innovation, and community engagement.
