Family issues and other personal problems were among the reasons inmates attending an educational programme dropped out or skipped class, highlighting the need for better support, according to a study.
Some inmates said they did not attend class because their personal problems, which in-cluded social and legal preoccupations, were sucking away their motivation.
“When a person is experiencing a problem or difficulty in one major life area, the effects spill over into other areas in life, including creating a sense of apathy towards other activities and not having the energy to engage in, or focus on, other things, even positive ones,” the report noted.
While organising programmes to help them improve their skills was beneficial, it was equally important to ensure that difficulties encountered by inmates throughout life were also addressed, according to the report drawn up by psychologist Roberta Holland.
The report detailed the outcome of a behavioural management and skills course organised for 26 inmates, all of them men, by NGO Mid-Dlam Għad-Dawl in collaboration with the Education Department at the Corradino Correctional Facility.
The programme was spearheaded by the NGO to mark its 20th anniversary.
The reasons for skipping or dropping out included medical problems and not being interested
It targeted inmates who were expected to be released soon and aimed to help them improve their motivation, confidence and coping skills. The programme incorporated psychotherapy, motivational talks, physical education, drama and yoga sessions. The inmates were divided into two groups with each programme lasting six weeks.
Most inmates enjoyed the process and felt they benefited from it.
However, there were mixed reactions to the benefits of yoga and drama, with some feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable and not seeing how these could help them.
Yet, some inmates later said they wished to be more involved in drama and “a good number disclosed that they were occasionally still practising yoga on their own as they found it had helped them”.
But there was an issue with dropouts and absenteeism that differed between the two groups, even though attendance was not compulsory in both cases.
The first group was chosen according to demographics, while the members of the second group were suggested by prison staff based on perceived motivation. The second group had a higher attendance rate, highlighting the importance of motivation.
Half the 26 inmates attended more than half the classes.
When asked why they skipped class or dropped out, the reasons ranged from medical problems to disciplinary action, not being interested or transferred to a higher security division.
The author noted that while disciplinary action – being confined to a cell or division – was necessary, punishment should not be allowed to come in the way of rehabilitation.