Female Prisoner Excels in UWI Lifelong Learning Unit Short Course

By Aabigayle McIntosh

The highest-achieving student in the Lifelong Learning Unit’s Digital Transformation of the Financial Sector course at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus is committed to utilizing the acquired knowledge to motivate individuals at His Majesty’s Prison who may feel disheartened by their circumstances.

Reacting to her latest accomplishment, Janice Samuel said the news came as a shock.

“I must admit that from among the many courses, Digital Transformation of the Financial Sector was not my first choice. Although it was initially challenging, similar to other areas of my life, when things seem difficult, I use my best effort to overcome hurdles to achieve a successful finish”.

Samuel also stated her intention to transfer the skills and knowledge gleaned through the program to her colleagues in the penal institution.

She said the attitude of camaraderie and humility will serve her well when she reenters society and establishes her entrepreneurial ventures.

Colonel Trevor Penny Feather, Superintendent of Prisons, welcomed the announcement and stated, “Each person has a right to a second chance.

The courses are strengthening our rehabilitation programme and preparing inmates for life within the prison and on the broader society. We appreciate the opportunities presented through the University of The West Indies Five Islands Campus”.

Paula C. M. Lee, the Executive Director of the Lifelong Learning Unit, expressed appreciation for Samuel and all the students who have opted to pursue their studies at the university.

She acknowledged the transformative impact of learning, emphasizing that it can lead to higher incomes and an enhanced quality of life for families and communities.

Additionally, she highlighted the potential for curious minds to discover and invent and the role of learning in building and preserving generational wealth.

Established in 2021, the Lifelong Learning Unit operates the Seeds of Hope Programme, extending scholarships to His Majesty’s Prison residents for their participation in professional development courses.

This initiative facilitates more accessible access to continuous education, providing a viable path for numerous inmates to augment their knowledge, enhance skills, and obtain Certificates of Proficiency.

More than 120 students are enrolled in Quarter 1 courses, indicating a growing interest in the program.

The Lifelong Learning Unit is actively dismantling barriers historically hindering access to learning and development.

The call is extended to working adults across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to enroll in the 2024 professional development courses, as the Lifelong Learning Unit remains steadfast in its commitment to preparing individuals for the evolving global job market.