Education and empowerment of people living in situation of social exclusion

Abstract

Objetives. Systematise a model of socioeducational intervention, based on the analysis and evaluation of two programs of therapeutic/educational intervention, aimed at the sector of adults in situation of social exclusion and conflict, from the principles and methodologies of Community Social Pedagogy.

Methodology. Evaluative participatory research in which it evaluated the efficiency of the processes of empowerment of inmates and users under the model of community social pedagogy. Of the two programs evaluated, 409 agents have participated. Qualitative research techniques used have been group discussions, depth interviews and life stories. Quantitative techniques have been questionnaires administered to individuals and professional users.

Results. After analyzing the information on the two experiences regarding the PSC, we have found a set of common characteristics that refer to empowerment process that occurs in addressees. We have classified the results of our study in three areas: empowerment objectives, methods for development and agents.

Conclusions. The study data presented allow us to state the following: A) The importance of therapeutic work and training activities that facilitate the participants to be trained and strengthened as individuals, acquiring skills, knowledges, etc., that allow them to develop their lives when they have accomplished the programs; B) The individual processes of awareness of the difficulties, as an element that guarantees the possibility of change; C) A model of educational and psychosocial support, in which the inmate/user is responsible for its own process of change and become aware of the need to give back to society the mistakes made, through a change in their relationship and social participation.