By Paula C M Lee, Executive Director Lifelong Learning Unit, UWIFIC
Fourteen inmates of His Majesty’s Prison received Certificates of Proficiency, while two of their peers were awarded Honour Student prizes at the 2024 graduation ceremony of the Lifelong Learning Unit at The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWIFIC).
These achievements can be attributed to the Seeds of Hope programme which was established in 2022. Its primary goal is to grant incarcerated individuals opportunities to gain knowledge, enhance skills and earn credentials. Increasingly over the past two years, commendations have been received from the government of Antigua and Barbuda, residents, the Diaspora, and benefactors who have contributed technical resources and scholarships to support the continuous education programme.
While funding from diverse stakeholders is welcomed, as skillsets continue to evolve additional resources will be required to support inmates in their pursuit of lifelong learning. The UWI’s digital platform has been recognized as a key enabler to the Seeds of Hope programme. It offers inmates opportunities to participate in multiple professional development courses, and interactively engage with tutors and students. Assuredly, this delivery modality supports established safety and security protocols. Individuals are not required to attend classes beyond the confines of the penal institution.
Meanwhile, studies have shown that Education is an effective remedy toward reducing recidivism. Having served prison terms, individuals experience numerous challenges when attempting to reintegrate into society. Their circumstances are further compounded by minimal support from family and friends due to the stigma associated with imprisonment. Arguably, few strategies engage families of former inmates as part of a comprehensive rehabilitative approach.
Equally concerning for former inmates are insufficient financial resources, lack of psychological support, limited access to food, and comfortable accommodation. Undeniably, the absence of sustainable support systems can cause individuals to reengage in criminal activities. Fortunately, these challenges can be mitigated by choosing to participate in continuous learning and skills training. Formerly incarcerated individuals can be better positioned academically and psychologically to reenter society, gain meaningful employment and provide for themselves and their families with dignity.
The Superintendent of Prisons in Antigua and Barbuda, Colonel Trevor Pennyfeather concurs with research that emphasizes the transformative benefits of education in prisons. He believes that The UWI FIC has provided invaluable partnership and support in advancing the rehabilitation initiatives of HMP. A second chance complemented by new knowledge, enhanced skills and the willingness to contribute meaningfully to society, is a priceless gift that is being embraced by students of the Seeds of Hope programme.
The sentiments of the 2024 Lifelong Learning Unit The UWI FIC Top Student, Kenisha Whyte is testimony that Education is indeed a game-changer. “This achievement is unselfishly shared with my colleagues from His Majesty’s Prison. The Lifelong Learning Unit courses have been a beacon of hope, a sanctuary of knowledge, and a place of redemption. We are embracing the challenges of continuous education, enduring the limited hours of studying, overcoming the moments of self-doubt, and triumphing in our successes. Not only have we grown academically – personally and psychologically, we are navigating the complexities of our current circumstances while striving for a brighter future”.
Having achieved consistent positive results in Antigua and Barbuda, the Seeds of Hope programme can serve as a practical and progressive model for regional prison authorities. Beyond reducing recidivism, robust rehabilitation programmes can contribute to safer prisons for inmates and staff. Moreover, it is conceivable that as incarcerated individuals engender a sense of purpose and hope for the future, the positive change could result in lower rates of violence and crime thereby improving public safety and security.
