Prisoners break down barriers by teaching each other to read

Prisoners at Loddon Prison in Victoria, Australia, are breaking down barriers by teaching each other to read through a phonics-based program called Turning Pages. Originating from the United Kingdom, the program aims to upskill prisoners for life upon release. A third of Australian prisoners have completed only up to year 9 of schooling.

John, a former construction worker, joined the program to improve his career prospects, as most of his peers had moved up to supervisory or managerial roles. He and his fellow learners are mentored by other prisoners, with no scheduled classes or timetable. John found it embarrassing not being able to read and write, and preferred one-on-one learning over a classroom setting.

The Turning Pages program, developed by charity Shannon Trust, is now implemented in most prisons across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. John is now working on a rigging certificate, hoping to secure a job in rigging or at a computer once released. Another learner, Dane, reported improved confidence in writing letters and cards, and plans to get a forklift ticket after release.

The program's impact extends beyond the learners. Simon, a mentor, realized the struggles of illiteracy in prison, such as filling out canteen slips or reading officer tags. He hopes to teach his six-year-old daughter to read, inspired by the program. Peter Foti, the vocational services manager, emphasized the rewarding nature of the program, which helps prisoners with low literacy levels gain confidence and potentially change their families' future educational prospects.