Fourteen all male prison inmates at the Dominica State Prison are getting a second chance at education and have registered to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examination in English A, on the 9th of May 2017.
These fourteen will sit the one-day examination at the Dominica State College where adequate arrangements have been made in order to have a hitch -free process.
The Adult Education Division in the Ministry of Social Services Family and Gender Affairs, and the Dominica Prison Services in the Ministry of Justice, Immigration and National Security are working in partnership to offer inmates of the State Prison a second chance at education.
To prepare offenders for return to their communities and reduce recidivism, inmates of the Dominica State Prison are provided opportunities while incarcerated to address certain deficiencies and develop life and work skills. The inmates are offered educational classes in basic literacy and numeracy and continuing education.
The Adult Education Division believes in the power of education to elevate, nurture, and transform, that is why the Division has been collaborating with the Dominica Prison Service over several years now, in the organization and implementation of Literacy, Continuing Education and Entrepreneurial Skills training programmes, geared at equipping the inmates with the relevant skills and capacities, to assist them in being better able to cope in mainstream society. This partnership presently continues with the provision of weekly classes in English A in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) programme.
Facilitators are engaged by the Division with remuneration and logistical support provided by the Ministry of Justice, Immigration and National Security and supervision and tutorial services are provided by Adult Education officers.
The curriculum is designed to give prisoners the intellectual leverage they need to revise their view of themselves and leave prison better equipped to contribute positively to their families and communities.
A supervisor and invigilator will be assigned for day for the seamless conduct of the examination.
So impressed with this initiative. I pray that the resources and funds become overwhelming available always…Dominica is using another opportunity to affect and change lives!
Next is the Rehabilitation Centre – I have faith.
#transformation
thank you guys for the comments
it was indeed an honor to work with these guys and not a day has gone by that i did not enjoy going to meet with them to do our lessons.They are an amazing bunch of young men who have an eagerness to learn and if given the opportunities they will go on to do a lot more.
To their family members whom continue to support them a hearty thanks goes out to you all because it is not easy to see your loved ones confined.
Again a great big thanks to all who wish us/them well words can’t express how I, as their facilitator feel and i am looking forward to continue working with the inmates at the state prison
There are times we may be critical. However, at a time as this, they, trying to live a better life, we are elated. This is the time we (also) think of God and what He wants for everyone and expects of us.
Those who are trying to make a better life, we are all the way with them, encouraging them.
Parents want what is best for their children. I visualize how they hurt when their children go astray and are imprisoned.
We, on the outside must be ever encouraging, prodding them on to make a better life. After all, their newfound life is also to society’s benefit.
The best time for rehabilitation is when they are young(er).
Those as you who are assisting them, God bless you. He wants no less for each one of us that we live a happy, peaceful, fruitful life and we help those who are in need of.
As Our Lord said: “With God nothing is impossible.”
Those guys do need a second chance. Thank you also to the government and Dominica State College to make this a possibility.
KUDOS, to all involve.
Indeed this is a great step in the right direction. This is only one of the many ways in which we can invest time and effort into those who need it most in our communities. Rehabilitation of those incarcerated is also beneficial for the general public. Eventually some of these folks will return and it is best that they return with some level of education instead of nothing. This helps us all. Well done. Keep expanding the program to all those who are eligible.
God gives many chances. They do need a second chance if they project this attitude. This is part of the rehabilitation process.
Some of them, if not all of them followed bad company or that there were other reasons why they ended up in prison. Some of them, once in prison, even when arrested and sentenced regretted their actions. A second chance is appropriate.
Hope they all pass the exams. If any fail, consider this: “If at first you do not succeed, try again” and keep trying. That is life, consistent trying and striving for perfection. Never give up.
Guys, make your family proud and others who know you. Make the most of your time. Life is worth living. Human beings were not created to be incarcerated but to live a full and fruitful life, worshiping God, loving others and doing good.
Good luck. May you succeed in all you do as you are incarcerated and that when released, you will be happy to be back in mainstream society to live a fruitful life.
Just a thought, but have all these inmates been convicted or are any still on remand? Some might just use this as a “look at me I’m a good boy” opportunity to impress the judge and get a lighter sentence. I guess it’s a good initiative but let’s not get too blinkered here and assume everyone’s motives for taking this exam are pure. Welcome it but remain alert.
That initiative will pay dividends down the road. The more shills they have when they come out of prison the less they will go back to crime. So Dominicans and visitors will be safer.
Great vibes this..It would be interesting to hear the Subjects they registered for..
A follow up to see how their results were would be nice DNO
Whoever came up with this idea deserves an award! This is good stuff, really!
Good vibes. Good luck to them.
Wow, this is really good news!
That wonderful the government is truly working
Congrats to all involve! This is the kind of ‘vibes’ I want read.
Great stuff