The Ministry of Vocational Training and Education has decided to open exceptional vocational training sessions for inmates in penal institutions, outside the official periods set by the sector. These sessions will be organized at the beginning of January each year, on request, to meet the specific needs of the prison environment.
This measure is part of an approach aimed at diversifying vocational training offers for inmates, taking into account both the requirements of penal institutions and the needs of the labor market. The stated objective is to promote the acquisition of useful professional skills, facilitating the social and economic reintegration of persons deprived of liberty.
In this context, the ministry sent Instruction No. 116 to the sector’s wilaya directors, regarding “the organization of vocational training and qualification in the prison environment.” Through this instruction, the ministerial department affirms its willingness to allow inmates access to vocational training and qualification in various specialties and streams.
These trainings lead to diplomas or professional qualification certificates, which are expected to play a determining role in the reintegration of inmates into the world of work or entrepreneurship after their release.
Taking into account the specificity of inmates’ status, Minister Ahrab’s services insisted on the need to adapt administrative procedures related to enrollment and follow-up of vocational training. The ministerial correspondence emphasizes the importance of taking all necessary organizational measures, in coordination with local representatives of the Ministry of Justice, to ensure optimal support for this category.
To this end, the opening of exceptional sessions outside official periods is planned, in accordance with Article 9 of the tripartite framework convention concluded between the ministries of Vocational Training and Education, Justice, and the sector in charge of microenterprises.
Enrollment of inmates in vocational training will take place at public training establishments, in coordination with penal institutions under each wilaya. Initial enrollment deadlines will be exceptionally extended to allow the largest number of inmates to benefit.
Furthermore, exceptional measures include a temporary exemption from certain administrative documents, notably the national identification number, identity photo, and medical certificates, until their later regularization by the competent services.
Finally, the ministry called on local officials to ensure satisfaction of the needs expressed by penal institutions, particularly regarding the number of pedagogical places programmed for each training intake. This orientation aims to guarantee an adapted, effective training offer in line with inmates’ professional reintegration prospects.