TReP - Professional Training in Restorative Practices
TReP - online training in Restorative Practice is a project implemented by an international partnership established between SOS Malta, The Childhood Development Initiative (CDI), Partner Bulgaria Foundation, SGM Solutions & Global Media GmbH, Malta College of Arts Science and Technology and Brain Shuttle. The project is funded by the Erasmus Programme of the European Union.
The objective of the project is to create and test part-time online training course in Restorative Practices for a EQF/MQF Level 5 Undergraduate Certificate, to propagate alternative conflict resolution and management procedures and restorative methods to help build social capital through strengthened relationship whilst preventing conflicts and minimising the occurrence of aggression, violence, bullying and other behaviours identified as risk factors.
Restorative practice methodology includes ‘the use of informal and formal processes that precede wrongdoing, those that proactively build relationships and a sense of community to prevent conflict and wrongdoing”, but has also a reactive dimension, with ‘formal or informal responses to crime and other wrongdoing after it occurs” (website of the International Institute of Restorative Practices, 2015-2016).
The project started with a research ‘Regional Report’, which includes a summary on the history and use of restorative practices in Malta, Ireland, Bulgaria, Spain and Germany, including a background on restorative justice. The summary fed into the course content and module development. The Launch of the Pilot Course took place on 29 October 2020 - The report may be found here.
The Pilot Course was took place over January 2021-October 2021, completed by 18 learners.
The course was evaluated through a short survey after each unit, which allowed the consortium to incrementally assess the feedback received, understand what was working and what was challenging and integrate general improvements throughout the duration of the course thus meeting the needs of the learner cohort and improving their course experience - The evaluation report can be accessed here.
The course targeted law enforcement officials, psychologists, social workers, teachers, and other professionals working with people, with the aim of improving the implementation of restorative practices at local level.
The project ended with a Final Conference which took place at MCAST on 26 November 2021. The occassion was used to disseminate the project results locally and discuss how Restorative Practices could add value to personal and professional lives. A Final Report has been compiled, covering the progression of the project, pilot study implementation, evaluation and recommendations on moving forward.
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