Literacy and education for people in custody

Literacy

BC Corrections works with local school districts and literacy organizations to help people under supervision make a new start, by teaching them to read, write and learn the skills they need to live independently.

We deliver programs in plain language to ensure people in custody with low literacy understand and benefit fully from our programs.

More than reading and writing

Basic literacy means being able to read and write, but the skills needed to navigate the world successfully go beyond the basics. Full literacy involves:

• Making use of information in forms, maps, schedules and other documents
• Understanding math well enough to balance accounts, calculate tips or review receipts
• Solving problems by creating and carrying out a plan

Through Essential Skills to Success, individuals in custody gain the skills they need to succeed at these types of tasks after they are released from custody.

Education

Education can reduce crime by giving people the skills they need to succeed. BC Corrections partners with local schools to develop and deliver educational programs for people in custody.

The programs help them to:

• Obtain their high school or high school equivalency diplomas
• Earn certificates and accreditation to aid in their future job searches
• Prepare for college

BC Corrections works with its partners to deliver English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. These courses make it easier for immigration detainees and people in custody with limited knowledge of English to integrate into the community.

The Indigenous Studies program helps people with Indigenous ancestry connect with Indigenous cultures in B.C.

Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program

The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program brings individuals in custody and post-secondary students together to complete a university/college level course designed to challenge stereotypes and promote dialogue between “inside” and “outside” students.

The program has been offered in person at the Nanaimo Correctional Centre and Surrey Pretrial Services Centre, and virtually at Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre (VIRCC) and Prince George Regional Correctional Centre (PGRCC).

Students at the University of Victoria (UVIC) and individuals in custody at VIRCC and PGRCC have also been offered a similar online course entitled Justice and Being Human to learn from each other’s stories and life experiences.

BC Corrections is proud to partner with Vancouver Island University, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, New College of Caledonia, and UVIC to support these powerful learning opportunities for “inside” and “outside” students alike.