A TN prison literacy, numeracy and life skills programme aims to help more than 1,000 inmates
The same hands that once committed a crime now hold a piece of white chalk and a slate, the fingers slowly form the letters of the alphabet. ‘Padam’, the word forms in Tamil. The ‘padam’ (meaning picture) of the inmates at the Madurai central prison enrolled in the Tamil Nadu government’s new special literacy programme speaks a thousand words. The programme, launched across the state on September 17, could very well hold the key to the reintegration of the prisoners into society.
The programme, in which 1,249 inmates from nine prisons have enrolled, has lessons in reading, numerical and life skills. It has been implemented by the state directorate of non-formal and adult education with the support of the Tamil Nadu prison department. “The prisoners were enrolled for the programme following a survey of their levels of literacy. We aim to not only teach them to read and write but educate them on life skills and health and hygiene. The 300-hour course will be spread over six months, with two hours of classes a day, either in the mornings or evenings. There will be monthly assessments,” says M Palanisamy, director of the directorate of nonformal and adult education.
Prison volunteers have been given the responsibility of teaching the classes, with one teacher assigned for every 20 inmates. Study material, in text book, chalk, are provided free of cost. “The prisoners also learn about government schemes, filling bank forms, financial savings and digital transactions using QR codes and mobile applications. All this will help them become more independent. We want to encourage the prisoners to pursue formal education once they leave the prison,” says Palanisamy.
Prison officials also stress that such programmes can help reform inmates. Under the guidance of director-general of police (prisons) Amaraesh Pujari and the Madurai range deputy inspector-general of police D Pazhani, around 107 prisoners at the Madurai central prison have taken up the literacy classes, and have shown a positive response so far, says A Parasura- man, prison superintendent. “Prisoners spend hours in isolation which often leaves them depressed. Those above the age of 25 often find it difficult to pursue basic education once they are released. This programme gives them a chance to learn while in prison. ” He says that many prisoners enrolled in the programme have shown a keen interest in studies as they couldn’t even sign their names previously. More than 80% of those enrolled are men.
S Kaniammal, a prison teacher who handles some of the classes, says learning to read and write boosts the confidence of prisoners. “We have observed a change in their attitude. It also helps them manage their anger. Many women prisoners enjoy learning rhymes and say they want to teach them to their grandchildren,” says Kaniammal.
Those who complete the programme by taking an exam are given certificates, which they can use to apply for jobs. “Once they receive the basic literacy, the prisoners are encouraged to take Class VIII, Class X and Class XII board exams. The number of prisoners appearing for the board exams has increased every year, and most of them are clearing them,” says Parasuraman. The literacy programme is likely to be expanded next year to include more prisoners.
Email your feedback with name and address to southpole.toi@timesgroup. com
The same hands that once committed a crime now hold a piece of white chalk and a slate, the fingers slowly form the letters of the alphabet. ‘Padam’, the word forms in Tamil. The ‘padam’ (meaning picture) of the inmates at the Madurai central prison enrolled in the Tamil Nadu government’s new special literacy programme speaks a thousand words. The programme, launched across the state on September 17, could very well hold the key to the reintegration of the prisoners into society.
The programme, in which 1,249 inmates from nine prisons have enrolled, has lessons in reading, numerical and life skills. It has been implemented by the state directorate of non-formal and adult education with the support of the Tamil Nadu prison department. “The prisoners were enrolled for the programme following a survey of their levels of literacy. We aim to not only teach them to read and write but educate them on life skills and health and hygiene. The 300-hour course will be spread over six months, with two hours of classes a day, either in the mornings or evenings. There will be monthly assessments,” says M Palanisamy, director of the directorate of nonformal and adult education.
Prison volunteers have been given the responsibility of teaching the classes, with one teacher assigned for every 20 inmates. Study material, in text book, chalk, are provided free of cost. “The prisoners also learn about government schemes, filling bank forms, financial savings and digital transactions using QR codes and mobile applications. All this will help them become more independent. We want to encourage the prisoners to pursue formal education once they leave the prison,” says Palanisamy.
Prison officials also stress that such programmes can help reform inmates. Under the guidance of director-general of police (prisons) Amaraesh Pujari and the Madurai range deputy inspector-general of police D Pazhani, around 107 prisoners at the Madurai central prison have taken up the literacy classes, and have shown a positive response so far, says A Parasura- man, prison superintendent. “Prisoners spend hours in isolation which often leaves them depressed. Those above the age of 25 often find it difficult to pursue basic education once they are released. This programme gives them a chance to learn while in prison. ” He says that many prisoners enrolled in the programme have shown a keen interest in studies as they couldn’t even sign their names previously. More than 80% of those enrolled are men.
S Kaniammal, a prison teacher who handles some of the classes, says learning to read and write boosts the confidence of prisoners. “We have observed a change in their attitude. It also helps them manage their anger. Many women prisoners enjoy learning rhymes and say they want to teach them to their grandchildren,” says Kaniammal.
Those who complete the programme by taking an exam are given certificates, which they can use to apply for jobs. “Once they receive the basic literacy, the prisoners are encouraged to take Class VIII, Class X and Class XII board exams. The number of prisoners appearing for the board exams has increased every year, and most of them are clearing them,” says Parasuraman. The literacy programme is likely to be expanded next year to include more prisoners.
Email your feedback with name and address to southpole.toi@timesgroup. com
