WHAT THE TRUST DOES - AND WHY
Prisoners' Education Trust was founded in 1989 by a Prison Education Manager and others who saw a need to extend educational opportunities beyond what could be provided by the Education Service. Starting from just one prison in 1989, the Trust's scheme now extends to 75 prisons. In 2000 the trust made 737 grants to prisoners wanting to make a fresh start.
Distance learning is especially suited to people in prison because the packs can travel with prisoners during frequent transfers and can be used by those who for reasons of security cannot attend education classes.
We believe - and this belief is backed up by research - that education can significantly contribute to the rehabilitation of prisoners and to a reduction in the rate of re-offending after release.
The Trust's aims are:
- To extend the range of academic and vocational education
available to people through distance learning
- To promote education in prisons
To achieve those aims the Trust pays for:
- Distance learning courses
- College courses for those nearing the end of their sentence
- Art and crafts materials for cell use
The Trust works in close co-operation with Prison Education Departments to ensure that courses are suitable
DISTANCE LEARNING IS NO SOFT OPTION - it takes hard work, self discipline and commitment to achieve success. It is especially suited to people in prison because:
- they can study when locked in their cells
- they can take their courses when they are transferred between prisons
- study can be undertaken by those who for security reasons cannot attend classes
