The Athens Lifelong Learning Institute conducted 5 in-person seminars in Greece, with the collaboration of the Federation of Greek Prison Employees (OSYE) and municipal authorities who provided the venues. A dedicated team of facilitators delivered the training in different regions of the country to ensure professionals outside of Athens had the opportunity to attend. Specifically, the following seminars took place:
1. Municipality Center of Nikiforos Dramas, 11/10/2024.
2. Municipal Center, Amfissa, 31/11/2024.
3. OSYE Offices, Korydallos, Athens, 07/05/2025.
4. OSYE Offices, Korydallos, Athens, 23/05/2025.
5. OSYE Offices, Korydallos, Athens, 28/05/2025.
In total, 129 professionals participated in the seminars. Attendees came from at least seven different correctional facilities, including the General Detention Center of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the Malandrino and Amfissa Detention Centers, and the Korydallos Prison Complex. The participants held a wide range of positions, such as Prison Directors, guards, members of social services (psychologists, social workers, sociologists), and administrative personnel.
The seminars, each of which lasted for six hours, covering the whole Prsion Safe curriculum, received a very positive reception and had a significant impact. The training was well-received, and participants showed great interest in the topics discussed. Discussing these issues in the prison context led to a greater awareness of the needs and challenges faced by LGBTIQ prisoners and the sharing of strategies for their respectful management and treatment. The participatory methodology, which prioritized interactive discussion over lectures, was highly valued. This approach created a positive environment where participants could express concerns on sensitive topics like body searches and discuss practical cases. The training was considered timely and highly relevant, particularly as its content aligned with recent national guidelines on the treatment of LGBTIQ inmates issued by the Ministry of Citizen Protection.
