Lifelong learning could not only be learnt by the
public but also by inmates in prisons. Open University
Malaysia (OUM) had given the opportunity to inmates in
Sekolah Integriti Kajang (SIK), Kajang Prison to obtain
higher education in their fields of interest. As a university,
OUM emphasized on the concept of Service to Society –
not only to the public but also to inmates in prison. All this
while, a stigma exists; the inmates have no place in the
society and their future is assumed to be bleak.
Nevertheless, the perception is changed after collaboration
between OUM and the Prison Department of Malaysia.
This had given the inmates a learning opportunity in
pursuing their studies from the first degree to the master’s
degree. Being a university that focused on online learning,
OUM had provided a flexible learning system to the
inmates. Hence, they were able to follow the courses in the
programs offered to them. The role played by OUM in
offering the education programs mark significant efforts in
changing the path for inmates to lead productive lives in
society. This had enabled a change in the society’s
perception towards the inmates in leading a better future
after life in prison. The impact of education is especially
evident in prison. Rigorous study gives prisoners the
intellectual leverage they need to revise their views of
themselves and leave prison better equipped to contribute
positively to their families and communities. Studies have
shown that those released prisoners who received an
education had a significantly lower rate of recidivism. (Abstract by author