Prisoners get chance to earn diplomas inside jail
It’s a first, not just in Pangasinan but in the entire Philippines.
Thirty inmates at the Dagupan City jail are getting a chance to earn a degree in Bachelor of Science in Information Technology through a collaborative program by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Commission on Higher Education, Lyceum Northwestern University (LNU) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Dagupan.
The 30 inmates, four of whom are female, were chosen among the 305 prisoners for their keen interest to pursue higher education despite being in jail.
Chief Inspector Florante Nisperos, BJMP warden, told The PUNCH that the inmate-students are given a real school-like environment within the jail building including wearing their LNU school ID and white T-shirt marked Step-by-Step Ladderized Education.
Nisperos said this program gives prisoners a fresh hope in life.
The oldest student is 45 years old while the youngest is a 16-year old female.
Bill, 31, an inmate from Anda town who has been in jail for four years for syndicated estafa, was voted president of their student council. He said he is very happy with the program.
“Before, life looked hopeless. (This is) a new venture, a new life,” said Bill.
The students attend lectures on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and hands-on classes on Saturdays.
Teachers from the Dagupan-based LNU serve as their instructors while the warden himself handles their Physical Education and National Service Training Program subjects.
All the inmate-students enjoy full scholarship that includes free school supplies. #
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