'A centre for education, not just an education centre'

At the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, Victoria's (Australia) Maximum Security Women's Prison, women not only gain knowledge that may improve their basic skills and increase their employability, but just as importantly, learn to trust their own abilities to problem solve, enhance their self esteem and are empowered with a belief that change is possible. Involvement in Kangan Batman TAFE's educational programs allows women to see themselves and life differently. Education is for life and whilst our courses allow women to attain educational achievements, I believe that it is the social and emotional context in which these programs are delivered that makes it possible for women to maximise their life chances for the future. The journey that women embark upon as Kangan Batman TAFE students is one that encompasses pathways to empowerment and self-reliance by recognising and responding to their individual needs. Education gives women prisoners the opportunity to become more valued contributors to society and their families as well as raising their own self-esteem whilst incarcerated. The education centre staff at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre provides hope, support and encouragement to women prisoners throughout this process. This paper will discuss models of innovative teaching practice, and explore how it is possible to achieve such outcomes by leadership, patience, persistence and caring, set against the historical backdrop of Victoria's first privatised prison.

Published abstract reprinted with permission from ACEA.

The conference CD-ROM is indexed at TD/TNC 83.352. Selected papers are indexed from TD/TNC 83.353 to TD/TNC 83.377. Show less