education behind bars

I agree, I think being in prison they want to become different people, study hard to make a better living for one day. But we as educators need to help them to be realistic without punching their dreams or bringing them down. You have to tell them to what extend their learning goes and then they can focus on studying hard enough to meet that extend. If they feel they can work harder and expand their ability to achieve more , thats also right, but just give your opinion so they can know if their dreams are realistic or not.

Wednesday, 23 November 2011 14:36

Koketso R. Morathi,

This can truely be a problem, many had high expectation and ended up in jail again, It will have to go with individuals and how serious they are to accomplishing their dreams. Ive learned that no matter how hard it is in life, I can never settle for anything less or beneath my expectation and standard. Lets just hope that while they are in prison their character is being built to a point that they will be able to stand even if things dont go their way.

Monday, 31 October 2011 14:25

Nangamso Mtsatse,

Samuel I feel you on that one but it is really important for you an educator to never stop encouraging this prisoner to pursue their goals in life. I mean nothing is impossible, we see a lot of successful business people that will tell of their prison experiences. It is really all in the mind, and if really they want to make somthing of their life they will. So never say never, the sky is limit. And if so in very unfortunate situation that they do not achive their goal is really not the end of the, it just a learning curve.

Sunday, 30 October 2011 20:57

Mache Piek,

Hi Samuel,

I believe that I may be able to identify with you.
I have been working at Echo Youth with problem teenagers.
They are not near to the level they need to be to be able to pass their year and it becomes difficult to motivate them when they are so behind.
However, it is also not fair to kill their dreams.
Perhaps choosing a realistic motivational path is the right course.
You can become anything or be anything you want to be, if your potential allows it, but hard work and dedication are the most important parts.
For example: If a learner says: I want to be an Engineer, you say ok, but you need these qualifications to achieve matric, these qualifications to go to university and these qualfications to finish an engineering degree and evaluate whether they have the dedication and potential to do it and actually reach that goal.

Sunday, 30 October 2011 16:00

Carli Wentzel,

I believe it is a common problem in rural areas. The same problem is found among students and scholars in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape. The real world engages in high standards which the schools cannot reach or accommodate. I believe the biggest problem is teachers which is under-qualified or unqualified. I think it is our responsibility as teachers to inform students soon enough if they are below standard to prepare them for the future. Out of personal experience most of the students do not realize the scarcity of work. If they do not perform adequately enough to be enrolled into a University, they will need to start in the final school year to find a job.

I believe it is the responsibility of the school to ensure that all students have been thoroughly educated to achieve success in the future by choosing the correct careers. A good quote to use as a basis for encouraging the learners is: "It is always too soon to quit" and "A half plate of food is always better than an empty plate." Renier Els

Thursday, 27 October 2011 01:33

Chrisna Botha,

Hey there everyone! I did another project - a winter holiday program I did in Mamelodi. I really enjoyed reading through your projects discussion. Seems like you guys really got faced with difficult situations. It must have been a very humbling and learningful experience? But it seems that you all have achieved superior goals with these prisoners. Well done!

Tuesday, 25 October 2011 17:58

Lize Alberts,

People in prisons usually dont have any real connection with the outside world. their expectations may be higher than what is possible for them right now, but that is not to say that they cant achieve their expectations with hard work. you wshould be encouraging them and letting them know anything is possible as long as you put the effort into it!!

Tuesday, 25 October 2011 15:07

Adriaan Smit,

I don't think it is a matter of will they cope in the 'outside world' or not because you get people who can't cope in the 'outside world' and they were never in prison. The first thing that must be looked at is the 'hope' factor. Throughout the whole year I kept listening to my learners and their hearts. I could really sense in most of them that they could be outside of prison and simply being able to express themselves. I always kept encouraging them by saying they have good souls and they just need to 'keep on keeping on'. Yes it is easy for me to say that but I just wanted at the end of they day have been able to say that I truly tried to instil hope into their hearts and minds. Once they have served their respective times, they will have to make their own decisions and act accordingly to their situations.

Saturday, 22 October 2011 22:10

Hanelie Claassens,

I am sure they will consider something else to do once they realize it is to hard in the outside world. Maybe they will find out the hard way all you can do is hope for the best and that they will cope with it on their own or they'll find help.

Monday, 17 October 2011 20:31

lizzie Duncan,

you do not need to worry as It is important to remember that they will choose their careers afterwards and if they really want it then they will make it happen.

Monday, 17 October 2011 19:12