FACILITATING SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION FROM INCARCERATION TO SOCIETAL REINTEGRATION THROUGH CORRECTIONAL EDUCATION: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF CAPE FLATS YOUNG EX-OFFENDERS

Thulani Andrew Chauke, University of South Africa

The transition from prison to life in the community can be very challenging for young ex-offenders, because they often lack the skills and knowledge they need to function successfully in society. The study explores whether the educational opportunities provided in correctional services really help young ex-offenders make a successful transition back into society. The study adopted qualitative research approach, interviewing a group of 20 young ex-offenders aged 18 to 35 from the Cape Flats region who took part in educational programs while in prison. The data from the interviews were analyzed through thematic analysis. The study found that correctional education, particularly programs focused on mental health, counselling, and life skills, significantly improved the mental well-being and self-efficacy of young ex-offenders, aiding their successful reintegration into society. These programs also emphasized moral education, fostering harmonious coexistence with community member’s post-release. This study recommends revolutionary pedagogical approach to correctional education aiming at comprehensive education of young offenders. This pedagogy should make use of modern digital technologies, allowing correctional educators to undertake pre-attendance assessments of each offender's learning preferences, inclinations, as well as individual aptitudes and limitations. This method facilitates the learning of basic education required for successful reintegration of young offenders into society.

Keywords: Human Capital, Education, and Work

See extended abstract.