Educommunicational tools in radio media for entrepreneurs in the Ibarra Center for Deprivation of Liberty

Abstract

This study explores the use of radio as an educommunicational tool to promote empowerment, education, and active participation among inmates at the Adult Deprivation of Liberty Center in Ibarra, Ecuador. Radio programs focused on entrepreneurship and socio-emotional skills aim to equip inmates with key competencies for rehabilitation and social reintegration. The research employed a mixed-method approach, combining direct observation, surveys, and semi-structured interviews with 100 inmates. This allowed for data collection on inmates’ perceptions of radio’s impact on their learning and socialization. Based on findings, a participatory educational program was designed, integrating spaces for interaction and feedback, fostering collaborative learning and a sense of community. Preliminary results highlight radio’s impact in socially excluded environments, overcoming technological and logistical prison limitations. Beyond content dissemination, radio serves as an inclusive platform fostering dialogue, self-expression, and critical thinking. Its role in identity construction and motivation, essential for rehabilitation and reintegration, is also emphasized. These findings reinforce the need for sustainable educommunicational strategies in penitentiary contexts, promoting education as a fundamental right.