Acting Adult Education Officer, Francisca Joseph has revealed that the Division is hoping to have 12 prison inmates write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations next year.
“We are hoping that in June next year that they can write the exams, about 12 of them,” she told the media on Friday.
According to her, the Division is also hoping to do another its programme “Beyond Prison Walls” for inmates at the State Prison.
“We are hoping that we can get some funding for that as well, so when they leave the prison they will leave with a portfolio…,” Joseph stated.
She said that the Division is working with prison officials and the Ministry of National Security and they hope to continue that collaboration, “to ensure that we build our young people…”
Joseph stated further that the Division also wants to work with parents.
“We will be working with the different schools in September,” she said. “We will be working with the Castle Bruce Secondary School to bring the parents together, bring the young people together to see that medium, how do we meet in order to assist them,” Joseph explained.
Two inmates at the Dominica State Prison obtained grade ones in English A, at the 2017 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations.
Fourteen inmates wrote the CSEC Examinations in English A, on May 9th, 2017.
The Adult Education Division says it 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.
I’m glad for this initiative. It’s well known that access to education is the best way to reduce recidivism. For those who could benefit from it, I’d even hope that DSC courses are somehow made available to them.
I recently read a book written by Trinidadian English teacher/Author Debbie Jacob called “Wishing for Wings”. The book is her recount on the impact that her students, juvenile delinquents of TDAD, had on her as she prepared them to take the CXC exam. She tells the story of amazingly talented young men who performed exceptionally well on the CXC despite their run in with the law. I think this would be a great incorporation to your new program ‘Behind prison Walls”. It is a great opportunity to expose these young men to the value of reading and writing and just how successful they can be once they step back into society. It is great to hear that they have an opportunity to take the CSEC exams.
As long as one has life, there is always the opportunity for second chances. I hope the individuals will take this opportunity to return to society prepared to make a meaningful contribution.
I really would like to congratulation Ms Francisca Joseph for undertaking this very meaningful initiative which contributes positively to the society at large.
I do hope the individuals involved will consider continuing their education at the state College.
Prison reform, and teaching applicable skills to be able to seamlessly integrate back into society after their emancipation, should be the next task to prevent these individuals from becoming repeat offenders, and returning to the institution.
Again, kudos to Ms Francisca Joseph and all the supporters and assistance for a job that is so necessary to help integrate these individuals back into society.
I must applaud the Division of Education and the National security Department, in teaming up to give Inmates a second chance in being Educated . With a Diploma in hand you can achieve a Job or work in a Skill that pays.
It’s never too late to start over; education is the Key, to a brighter future. There’s Hope to Redeem your your career, behind Prison walls. Goodluck.
We all have made mistakes. There but for the grace of God go I. This a statement that we all should make because during our journey through life, many of us made decisions that could have landed us in jail, but it did not turn out that way. I am encouraging retired educators and other retired professions, and even if you are still working, please try to donate some time to give back and reaching out to persons in the penal system, it can be very rewarding for all in society.
I applaud this initiative, give the prisoners hope. Being in prison is not the end for them.