Problematics of accessing tertiary education in Tanzanian prisons

Abstract

Prisoners’ education, especially tertiary education for prisoners, is largely under-researched in Africa, particularly in Tanzania. This article draws upon a qualitative research project, which focused on prison education in Tanzania to address a major research question, ‘What are barriers to tertiary education in Tanzanian prisons?’ A total of 51 participants were involved in this study. They were mainly prisoners, ex-prisoners, prison staff and the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) representative. Data were collected through interviews and documentary analysis. Then data were analysed thematically. Results from this study showed that very few prisoners accessed tertiary education; and Tanzania has no aspects considered a ‘proper’ policy and reliable sources of funds to finance education for prisoners. As a result, they complicated prisoners’ access to tertiary education. Some prisoners were interested and qualified to undertake tertiary education, but they were prevented from access because of lack of funds. Hence, it is argued in this paper that lack of clear policies on prison education and funding have contributed to prisoners’ poor access to tertiary education. As tertiary education is vitally important for prisoners’ reintegration into society, findings from this research suggest the necessity for Tanzania Prisons Service (TPS) to work closely with other institutions, including Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to gain sources of funds for prisoners’ tertiary education. Other learning institutions such as the Institute of Adult Education and the Open University of Tanzania should be involved in provision of tertiary education to prisoners.