THE RELEVANT OF EDUCATION & CONVICT

It’s there any future for convict?

The article on “Prisoners to get varsity-level courses” is taken from New Strait Times dated 3 March 2013 has captured public attention regarding the Government’s action in giving the education opportunity to the prisoners.  Due to that, there are many negative and positive feed backs from the society on this issue.

However, I agree with the Government’s action by giving education opportunity to convicts as it would give them brighter future.

First of all, education is the core to success and wisdom. Education is the key to build individual characters from the inside other than to emphasize in religion aspects. These convicts will realize the benefit of education and start to change better. This is true as Aristotle once said that “The educated differ from the uneducated as much as the livings differ from the dead.” If the convicts didn't give the opportunity to further their education, I’m afraid they end up re-offending and getting worse. Through education they will learn the knowledge of ethics and applying in their life.

Secondly, education is vital for individual to pursue dream career. As world today valued knowledge, one’s couldn't ignore the fact of getting academic qualifications is the ticket to gain work and financial security. Most of these convicts do not receive proper education due to education drop out and financial problem. Therefore, this is an opportunity for them to redeem what they have left behind and start learning for the sake of secure life. They will have the potential to be hired by organizations or open up own business after being released from prison. If they didn't give the education opportunity, I’m afraid they will involve in illegal act as it is the easiest way for them as an ex-cons to stay survive. There are many example of ex –cons that have changed their life and pursue their dream such as Martha Stewart (the television celebrity host), Charles Colson (former Special Counsel for President Richard Nixon) and many more.

In short, we couldn't oppose the positive outcome by giving education opportunity to convicts and deny their human right in receive proper education. Everyone who make mistake should have second chance to redeem himself. “The past remains the past. We can learn from it, but we cannot change it.”― George R.R. Martin, A Dance With Dragons . Well, who us to judge them anyway.