After serving for two terms in their positions, the two women are stepping down from the EPEA Steering Committee. We would like to thank them for their generous efforts and their great commitment to the cause.
We are here to give them a small platform to look back on their work at the EPEA and ask them a few questions about it.
What has given you the most pleasure during your time at EPEA over the past few years?
Ruth: Being at the EPEA conferences and other events has been the most enjoyable part of the role. I have got to know so many amazing people from all over Europe and been inspired by their teaching and good practice. I know from many students, as well as teachers, how important it is to ensure we provide really high-quality education for people who are in prison and this is always what drives me.
Ana: What I have enjoyed most is the sense of community that grows when people from different countries come together around a shared belief: that education in prison is a human right and a powerful tool for dignity and change. Working with colleagues across Europe has been incredibly enriching.
I especially valued the work within the Western Region, where I could help build bridges between colleagues and create spaces where they felt welcomed and supported. Seeing people feel less alone in their challenges has been deeply meaningful.
On a personal level, this role has broadened my perspective and strengthened my conviction that, despite our different systems, we share the same hopes for our learners: opportunity, motivation, and a chance to move forward.
What was the most difficult moment for you during that time?
Ruth: Organising the conferences takes a lot of work and time, and things do not always go to plan. There have been times when the people on the steering committee did not agree and did not work well together as a team. Thankfully that period has passed, but it can be difficult working with volunteer colleagues from many different countries when we mainly meet online. I appreciate the commitment of the whole committee as we have gone through some tricky times.
Ana: Balancing EPEA responsibilities with full‑time work has sometimes been challenging. Like many volunteers, I often wished I had more hours to give.
Working mainly online also brought complexities — communication can be slower, and I often missed the richness of in‑person collaboration.
There were also moments of transition within the Steering Committee that required patience and resilience. But these experiences taught me a lot about teamwork, trust, and the strength of a volunteer community.
What challenges does the EPEA face in its work?
Ruth: We need to engage more with our members and try to develop stronger connections during the period between the conferences. There is scope for us to re-establish our contribution to the discussions on prison education policy across Europe. We are the experts (alongside our students) and we should try to have a stronger voice. This is difficult for a volunteer led organisation to achieve, but I know we have some big ambitions.
Ana: Keeping members actively connected between conferences remains an ongoing challenge, especially in a volunteer‑led organisation where people work in demanding environments. Ensuring that teachers feel the EPEA is “close” to them is essential.
Another challenge is strengthening our visibility and influence in European policy discussions. Practitioners and learners hold valuable expertise, and their voices should be heard at the right tables.
Financial sustainability is also a real difficulty. Because the EPEA lives almost entirely from membership fees, it is hard to grow, innovate, or invest in new initiatives. This limits our capacity to support regions consistently or develop long‑term projects.
One final personal statement?
Ruth: As a British person who continues to be embarrassed by Brexit, I have really appreciated the opportunity to be part of a great European organisation, to witness so many acts of kindness and to forge so many friendships. Thank you to everyone who has connected with me and supported me. I hope to stay in touch even when I am no longer the treasurer.
Ana: I leave this role with deep gratitude. The friendships, trust, and generosity I have experienced within the EPEA community have been truly special, and I am proud to have contributed to a network that combines professional commitment with genuine care.
Even though I am stepping down from the EPEA Steering Committee, I will continue working in prison education and remain active within Klasbak, the Flemish branch of the EPEA. My dedication to this field stays as strong as ever.
I look forward to seeing the EPEA grow, evolve, and continue to inspire. Thank you to everyone who shared ideas, doubts, enthusiasm, and kindness with me.vidence and start implementing what works.
Thank you sharing your thoughts with us! We wish you all the best in the future for your personal as well as your professional life. We will miss you in the Steering Committee.