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Prison inmates have a right to get formal or informal education to fit into society upon release, cater to themselves, and make an honest living. Prison education has various categories. It can be vocational or literacy development, arts and crafts training, physical education, sports or rehabilitation, and reclamation training. Some inmates go as far as pursuing a high school degree and even a bachelor’s degree. There are provisions made by the Federal Bureau of Prisons to ensure that these prison education options are conducted onsite at both state and federal prison facilities. This article will discuss 5 Best Ways Prisoners Can Get Educated.
For prisoners hoping to
obtain bachelor’s degrees, online courses from approved universities are made
available to them, and there are education programs available through the mail.
Programs for prisoners to learn a trade may not be available. However, some
prisons may offer options for prisoners to learn electrician and plumbing
skills. The options available via the Federal Bureau of Prisons will be
available for the entirety of their duration. A prisoner who is not able to get
their degree before release can continue their course after release. They must
fulfill all requirements to obtain their degree.
These educational
opportunities by the government provide evident benefits by opening access to
useful training and education degrees. This education can turn into amplified
earning possibilities, potential work opportunities, and plummeting penchants
for recidivism. Prisoners who receive a high school diploma are least likely to
revert to felonious conduct and re-imprisonment. The reason is that learning and
degree accomplishment can help reduce the psychological effect of the prison
environment.
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Five Ways To Get Prison Education
1. Literacy Development: Prisons
offer literacy development for prisoners. This option involves teaching the
prisoners skills on how to read and write. Literacy skills include but are not
limited to spelling, reading, comprehension, sound, etc. This option is the
most basic form of education, and it is available to prisoners who are stark
illiterate and have never received any form of education in their life.
Prisoners who are not stark illiterates may apply for this form of learning to
begin and enhance their knowledge.
2. Vocational Development: Unfortunately, most prisoners will not have the opportunity to get a white-collar job after release from prison and may need to get blue-collar jobs to cater to their needs. Vocational training development comes in handy for them at this point, as it involves training prisoners to develop skills that one can earn. Some of these skills include carpentry, automotive repair, cosmetology, design, cooking, auto mechanics, business education, masonry, plumbing, dressmaking, photography, etc.
3. Arts and Crafts Training:
This option is a great educational opportunity for prisoners. Creating arts and
crafts is an easy and great job for released prisoners, and it adds fun to
people’s daily lives. There are various arts and crafts skills open to be
learned by prisoners. They include painting, knitting, candle making, soap
making, etc. They can also teach these skills to other people.
4. Physical Education and Sports:
For some prisoners, their interests may lie in physical education and sports
activities. These options may not seem like a form of education that will help
them obtain money and help their life. However, they may bring fulfillment and
fun. The idea behind physical education is to promote fitness, teach body
management skills and help to develop sportsmanship, cooperation, and
teamwork, among other advantages.
5. Rehabilitation and Reclamation
Training: Offering rehabilitation to prisoners
has various benefits for the prisoner and the public. There are several forms of
rehabilitation and reclamation training available to prisoners, and they
include employment, education, wellness, community, and (substance abuse)
counseling.
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With underemployment
rehabilitation, prisoners can engage in work programs available in prison. This
option helps them to get work once they are released. Education rehabilitation
involves helping prisoners get a sense of the latest programs in the world.
It may include computer training or getting a degree, as mentioned above.
Wellness rehabilitation is the act of helping prisoners get a physical and
mental understanding and clarity regarding their purpose in life after release
from prison. This type of reclamation training helps the prisoner to move past
any pain, guilt, or trauma. They may see that there is a bright future for
them.
Community rehabilitation helps prisoners to be integrated back into the community and adjust to the latest happenings. Some prisoners have been in prison for many years. Over the years, new trends, laws, and rules have come into play. This situation is where community rehabilitation comes into focus. Having a support system can help ex-convicts. These groups could be in the form of volunteers, churches, social groups, and others. Finally, we have counseling rehabilitation. This option is like wellness rehabilitation as it feeds and educates the mind. Prisoners can talk about issues bordering on depression, stress, goals, new skills, etc.
Benefits of Prison Education
1. Recidivism Reduction: Studies show that there
are high levels of recidivism among ex-convicts. However, there has been a
decline in recidivism for prisoners who obtained some form of education while
in prison. Research shows that the higher the degree, the lower the level of
recidivism.
2. Employment Opportunities: There are increased
and improved employment opportunities available for formerly incarcerated
people who engage in prison education programs. Obtaining gainful employment is
far smoother and more successful for people that get an education in prison.
3. Internal Benefits: Even for prisoners who serve
lengthy or life sentences, prison education can have profound or life-changing
benefits. There is a substantial reduction in violence and disciplinary
infractions among those involved in prison education. Prison education can
break down ethnic and racial barriers, which often cause rifts and tension in
prisons. It can improve communication between staff members and prisoners, as
well as improve their self-esteem.
4. Community Benefits: Studies show that prison
education has many positive effects on the children and relatives of
ex-convicts, as well as offers an opportunity to break the generational cycle of
crime and imprisonment. The education received goes a long way in influencing
young children.
Image Source: Pixabay
Image Source: Pixabay
Image Source: Pixabay
Conclusion
Education and training for
prisoners are vital for their well-being in prison and after any release.
Prisoners can obtain education via programs and by mail. There are various
types of education and training that prisoners may receive, including
electrical, plumbing, and college degrees.
There are also many benefits
from prisoners receiving education in prison. They include employment,
community, and internal interests that help prisoners gain employment, network
within communities, and improve their relations between staff and other
inmates. Prison education can help prisoners to learn to take care of
themselves and their families, boost their confidence and self-esteem, and
reduce their recidivism after any release.
Reference
Northwestern University
(2021). Northwestern Prison Education Program:
Benefits of Prison
Education. https://sites.northwestern.edu/npep/benefits-of-prison-education/
For
more information on prisoners and education, click the links, below:
(Disclaimer: Affiliate Advertising. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.)
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