Experiences of the educational path of an ex-prison inmate

Abstract

In this day and age knowledge and the ability to apply it in different situations is considered as an asset and a determining factor of one's success in life. This study aimed at exploring the educational background of an ex-prison inmate together with the experiences he encountered during the years of compulsory schooling. Research findings also intend to shed light over the education and training opportunities offered to inmates detained within the Maltese prison and find out how this impacts on their reform and social reintegration. Data were obtained through a series of three semi-structured interviews. The participant's detailed accounts highlighted gaps in the system at Corradino Correctional Facility (CCF) whereby academic education takes precedence over practical and more hands-on training and employment with the result that most inmates end up lying idle for most of the time they spend in prison. Following release from prison these individuals face strong challenges when it comes to finding employment and, since old habits die hard, they end up returning to a life of crime. The shortcomings identified by the subject have been discussed in the light of international research. Despite the limitations of this study, some crucial suggestions have been put forward with the intention of bringing about improvements in the prison education system and inmate aftercare. Hopefully the data which emerged from this study will also pave the way for future research that tackles this subject further from a local viewpoint.