University, almost 2,000 prisoners enrolled: Cnupp-Andisu agreement to support them

The right to study enters Italian prisons. To get one's head back between the books, in fact, can be for many inmates a great opportunity for redemption. Precisely for this reason, a memorandum of understanding was signed in Sassari betweenCnupp and Andisu.The agreement envisages becoming a bridge between universities and bodies for the right to education with the aim of supporting the almost 2,000 prisoners who have chosen to embark on a university course.

A protocol as a tool to counter the risk of reoffending. The study as a shield to protect oneself. For the president of Andisu, Emilio Di Marzio, the agreement restores centrality to those who, despite living a condition of deprivation of liberty, choose to rely on culture and training to build a new life possibility once they have served their sentence, transforming time behind bars into an opportunity for personal growth. This is not necessarily linked to the continuation of a working career as soon as one leaves prison.

The president of Cnupp, Giancarlo Monina, emphasised the added value of the academic world within the prison system. This aspect allows prisoners to feel part of society again, recovering human and family ties that are often broken. Digital resources, financial support for teaching materials and cultural activities in the institutions are also guaranteed.

There are 1,978 detainees enrolled, 55 universities involved and about 900 people directly involved among lecturers, tutors and administrative staff. A snapshot of the phenomenon that frames a reality parallel to that of the known university world, i.e. one composed of classrooms and desks, not bars. Among the most significant data, the growth in the presence of women emerges: the university inmates now total 104, almost double the number of last year, representing 3.5% of the entire Italian female inmate population.

The academic paths favoured by prisoners are different. Many opt for Political Sciences, Sociologies and Communication. Faculties that account for about 25% of those enrolled. But the political-social area clashes with the legal area, which stands at around 13%. The once most popular degree path, on the other hand, was Jurisprudence