7.6 Discussion of Results

While the statistical data provided at one correctional institution cannot be generalized across Canada, this information provides a glimpse into the lives of women in prison. The interviews fill out the picture, as respondents discussed their experiences of literacy training programs.

One theme which emerges is the need to provide adequate programming inside the prisons, where women have both the free time and the basic physical resources to use it. In addition, the women expressed a need for financial incentives to encourage participation on the "inside" -- and most were realistic about the minimal chances of participating in programs after release, without having had a chance to experience the positive changes which literacy can provide.

Learning in prisons-was problematic for other women, however. Some questioned whether learning could take place in an environment where issues of personal safety and survival dominate everyone's lives. In addition, the relationship of tutors to the prison system was called into question by one woman, who asked, "How can you learn from someone who could punish you?"

Interviewees were split, too, on the issue of small groups versus one-to-one tutoring. Some learners felt most comfortable in learning circles, noting that the group support and validation they received from their teachers and co-learners was most helpful to the learning process and their own attempts to break out of the negative spiral of low self-esteem. Others felt that one-to-one learning was more appropriate, since they felt uncomfortable reading aloud in front of other learners. The issue of personal security, too, came into play here, since identifying one's self as "illiterate" within the small prison community could put potential learners in a precarious position.

Another important issue emerging from the interviews was that of reintegration into society. Clients were concerned with the difficulties involved in surviving outside prison, and noted that most prison programs do not adequately prepare inmates for life an the outside. Courses offered in prism must have immediate practical benefit, many participants said. In addition, once the woman is released from prison, her chances of beginning literacy training would seem to be quite minimal. Once again, some interviewees were adamant that programming must begin in prison, while others felt post-release learning was the only possible option.