20 March
From 11th to 20th of March 2025, the Correctional Unit of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) facilitated a two-module Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop for 28 Kosovo Correctional Service (KCS) staff, laying the foundation for a sustainable in-service training system.
The initiative focused on developing two new specialized training modules in Albanian and Serbian for prison staff training aligned with the Council of Europe’s recommendations on how to best address specific needs and guarantee the rights of particular groups of prisoners: “Working with prisoners with substance abuse problems”, and “Working with vulnerable groups.”
The ToT workshop aimed to equip selected prison officials with the skills necessary to deliver the modules to their colleagues, ensuring long-term sustainability. By supporting the creation of the training programs not yet envisaged by the in-service training list of the Kosovo Academy of Public Services (KAPS), by preparing new trainers to run the in-service training, and, finally, by registering the modules with KAPS, EULEX continues to assist KCS in aligning with European correctional standards.
The first module focused on increasing the correctional staff’s understanding of the reasons and interventions on the various substance abuse-related challenges in prison, to contribute to the rehabilitation and possible integration into society after the release of prisoners with substance abuse problems.
The second module centred around dealing with women prisoners, female and male juveniles, as well as with specific vulnerable groups, such as prisoners with mental health issues or at risk of suicide or self-harm.
The workshops were organized under the EULEX Small Scale Project “Supporting the KCS in establishing a sustainable and self-managing in-service training system”.
EULEX remains committed to providing support and advice to KCS leadership and to supporting the professional development of correctional staff. Through continuous training initiatives, EULEX and KCS work together toward increasing the accountability of KCS and strengthening human rights and rule of law in Kosovo.