Government Commits to Improving Education Standards in Correctional Facilities
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing education standards within correctional settings, through the adoption of global best practices aimed at rehabilitation and re-integration of offenders. Dr. Salome Beacco, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Correctional Services, made the remarks during the receipt of a donation of books worth half a million shillings from Longhorn Publishers.
Dr. Beacco highlighted that the government had implemented several initiatives to ensure that individuals in correctional facilities have equal access to quality education, in line with the national curriculum. One of the key measures has been the registration of prison schools as public schools, ensuring that prisoners, particularly young offenders in borstal institutions, can now pursue pure sciences and broaden their academic opportunities.
“The registration of prison schools as public schools has been a major milestone in providing individuals under our care equal access to education. This initiative aligns them with the national curriculum and ensures that they are not left behind,” noted Dr. Beacco.
The PS also pledged that the books, including revision and course materials, would be distributed across education centers in correctional facilities nationwide, ensuring that inmates benefit from improved learning resources. She called on stakeholders in the education sector to support the ongoing reforms within the correctional service.
“Let us do this for the common good. How can each one of us leave a footprint of legacy to our country? Can we be the agents of change in the lives of the offenders?” Dr. Beacco posed, urging collective action to support the rehabilitation and transformation of offenders.
Michael Mwaura, the Chief Operations Officer of Longhorn Publishers, praised the state department for its focus on formal education within correctional facilities, emphasizing that the company was keen on contributing to societal change through impactful education initiatives.
“We want to see our company making a positive impact on society, and supporting education initiatives in prisons has proven to be highly impactful,” Mwaura said.
Education within correctional facilities has seen significant improvement, with enhanced provisions for instructional materials, stationery, and rigorous monitoring of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) exams. This has led to greater fairness and transparency, contributing to the successful transition of offenders from primary education to secondary schools, colleges, TVET institutions, and even universities.
The ongoing efforts to improve education in correctional settings are part of a broader vision to rehabilitate offenders, empower them with knowledge, and increase their chances of successful re-integration into society. The donation of books from Longhorn Publishers is seen as a significant step in supporting these transformative efforts.
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