United for Literacy formerly Frontier College’s Post

Celebrating National Skills Week: The Power of Correctional Education As we celebrate National Skills Week, it’s a perfect time to highlight a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of education: correctional education. This field is not just about imparting academic knowledge but about equipping individuals with the skills they need to transform their lives and contribute positively to society. Correctional education provides inmates with opportunities to gain valuable skills and qualifications while serving their sentences. These programs are essential for several reasons: Reducing Recidivism Closing the gap of desistance Enhancing Employability Skills Promoting Personal Growth: This National Skills Week, let’s recognise and support the vital role of correctional education. Whether through advocacy, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, there are many ways we can contribute to this transformative field. Together, we can help ensure that education remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. With over a decade in Correctional Education, BSI Learning is proud to be involved in the journey of so many as they change their lives through education. #BSILearning #NationalSkillsWeek #CorrectionalEducation #ReducingRecidivism #ChangingLivesThroughEducation

How does #censorship, self-censorship, and interpersonal interactions shape #HigherEducation in #prisons? In a new report supported by Ascendium Education Group, Ess Pokornowski and Kurtis Tanaka, PhD share insights from 22 interviews with higher education in prison program instructors and students, exploring their experiences teaching and learning in carceral environments: https://lnkd.in/gSz9U-_U

🔍✨ Embark on a journey of redemption and education with us as we sit down with @Shanell Bailey, delving into the transformative world of forensic psychology and her experiences in South Africa. 🌍 Together, we shine a light on the groundbreaking Prison to College Pipeline initiative, reshaping lives behind bars. 📚 From eligibility criteria to application processes, Shanell unveils how this program fosters inclusivity and rehabilitation by offering university courses, igniting hope for a future beyond incarceration. 📝 Imagine stepping out of a cell and into a classroom, where community and academia intertwine to support reentry into society. That's the heartbeat of the Prison College Pipeline, celebrating the triumphs of individuals who seized educational lifelines and turned their lives around. Yet, the journey is not without hurdles. We discuss the stark realities facing returning citizens and the vital role sustained community support systems play in ensuring lasting success. 🌎 Venture with us beyond U.S. borders to Jamaica, where initiatives like the UWI Mona Prison Project are breaking new ground despite financial and educational contrasts. We examine the ethics of providing higher education in prison settings, emphasizing education as a fundamental human right. Moreover, we spotlight the critical roles organizations and businesses play in supporting reentry, and how universities can tailor programs to bridge the gap from incarceration to integration into society. 💡 For those captivated by the power of education to transform lives and rebuild futures, this conversation is both a revelation and a clarion call to action. Join us in exploring pathways to redemption and empowerment! Watch this episode: https://lnkd.in/ecccjCGC #EducationForAll #PrisonReform #CommunitySupport #TransformativeEducation 🌟

When was the last time you were grateful for the ability to read, write, and make sense of the world around you? Education empowers us to do just that. It broadens our perspectives, helps us understand our place in the world, and inspires us to create meaningful change. Education is a gift - and with it comes opportunities for growth and new experiences. This is why we must collectively ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to accessing this essential gift. Unfortunately, too many are left out. One in ten incarcerated individuals lack any form of education. In a world where poverty is heavily criminalized, education can be a crucial factor in preventing people from being trapped in the system. If our correctional systems are truly intended to rehabilitate, why do we have such a limited percentage of educational programs for those behind bars? In a recent blog post, Peace Adewuyi and I discuss the urgent need for education in correctional facilities as a means of reform and rehabilitation and highlight the great work we are doing at Hope Behind Bars Africa to achieve same. You can read more via this Link: https://lnkd.in/dRwfigQf

"As a correctional educator, I can attest to the value of possessing that high school credential. I’ve seen the transformative power of education firsthand." - Dr. Amy Lopez Dive into Orijin™'s latest white paper report, "The Imperative for Increased Access to High School Equivalency Programming in Corrections for Successful Reentry," authored by Dr. Amy Lopez. This comprehensive report unveils critical insights into how high school equivalency can dramatically improve outcomes for justice-impacted individuals. Learn about the barriers to education in correctional facilities and the impressive impacts of Orijin in helping justice-impacted individuals to achieve a high school diploma behind bars. From boosting employment opportunities to reducing recidivism, education is a cornerstone of successful reentry. Read the full blog post and download the white paper here: https://lnkd.in/ecYaNwgd Join us in breaking the cycle of incarceration through the power of education. #EducationForAll #JusticeReform #OrijinEducation

🎓 Supporting people with prison experience into education. One of the main challenges for people with experience of the justice system wanting to access higher education is policies and practices that restrict their access. The article sheds light on key considerations and strategies for creating an inclusive educational environment for those with lived experience of the justice system, highlighting the importance of recognising individual journeys and promoting diversity. https://lnkd.in/eZ2FRKr3 #Education #Inclusion #AccessAndParticipation #PrisonExperience #HigherEducation #University #HE

Higher education in #prisons is key for reducing reoffence and promoting the reintegration of incarcerated individuals into society! A new International Review of Education article explores the experiences of seven women who completed #highereducation degrees while incarcerated in South Africa's largest correctional facility. It reveals how these women developed capabilities that went far beyond academics. Their education empowered them to gain personal agency and become pillars of support for their peers, showcasing the transformative power of education even in the most challenging environments. Learn more https://lnkd.in/dahux4di

At the National Literacy Trust, we know that the power of literacy extends far beyond the pages of a book - it has the potential to transform lives, especially within the criminal justice system. Our Readconnect programme, which brings storytelling workshops to prisons, is a shining example of how we use this power to make a profound impact on individuals and families. Imagine being in a place where hope feels distant and connections to loved ones are strained. This is the reality for many people in prison. More than half of the men in HMP Swaleside have children under 18 but because the prison is difficult to reach (located on the Isle of Sheppey), 55% of the prison population receive visits less than once a week. The isolation they face is compounded by the lack of access to cultural and enrichment activities that many of us take for granted. Readconnect aims to bridge this gap. Through creative storytelling workshops, we offer participants the tools to build stronger connections with their children and families. These workshops provide a means for self-expression and emotional bonding. Participants learn new skills (like reading aloud) and receive activity packs and books to use with their families over the phone, during visits, or at family days. This means participants can spend quality time with their children and support their speech, language, and communication skills. One participant from HMP Swaleside shared, "It was so inspiring, what a great time we had that will help the children immensely." This sentiment echoes throughout the feedback we receive. At HMP Downview, another participant reflected, "It made me feel happy. I actually forgot I was in prison; it made me explore my inner deepest imagination which was magical." Every single participant reported gaining ideas for supporting their children’s or family member’s learning. The workshops also inspired nearly all the participants to become more involved in their children’s education; 91% of participants at HMP Downview feel more confident in supporting their children’s learning through storytelling and reading, whilst 95% of participants at HMP Swaleside said the same. Regular contact with family members is crucial for the rehabilitation and resettlement of people in prison. It supports mental health, adds structure and stability to their lives, and gives meaning to their rehabilitation. Authors like Sita Brahmachari and Ciaran Thapar help make this work possible. Together, we’re helping people change their stories. Read the full impact reports here (in the side bar!): https://lnkd.in/eGTkdgkQ

Three recommendations in our report on young women’s education in prison: 1️⃣ Tailored, gender-informed support and provision 2️⃣ Increased use of ROTL to access education and work 3️⃣ Data collected on young women’s educational needs and progress

Digital skills are probably the key skills that are top priority now in every region, and more importantly in prison education. Jayne Hill, Rob Samuels and their team are doing some amazing work in this space at Novus - Foundations for Change to ensure the opportunity is there for all learners to get those digital skills that form such a barrier to climbing the social mobility ladder. #digital #digitalskills #digitalfunctionalskills #essentialdigitalskills