| Abstract [eng] |
Prison is a unique institution with its own unique characteristics. It is an institution where one of the basic human values of freedom is lost, where identity is lost, where strict discipline and a different culture prevail. The main purpose of prisons, at least in theory, is no longer to punish crime, but to reform, rehabilitate and provide convicted people who have broken the norms of society with the skills they need to return to society. Lithuanian legal documents establish the re-socialisation of convicted persons as the main objective of prisons. One of the most important measures contributing to this objective is education. The importance of education for re-socialisation is not only the provision of knowledge and professional skills, but also a process which, through the relationship between the prisoner, the teacher, and the environment, contributes to the formation of a positive personality change, strengthens self-esteem, encourages reflection and allows the prisoner to feel more fully a member of society. The empirical study revealed that teachers and professionals working in prisons perceive education as an important part of re-socialisation, which is not only necessary for knowledge and professional skills or a diploma, but also for the development of social skills. Education in prison provides a freedom-like space that allows inmates to more securely search for their identity, to question and reflect. Nevertheless, there are still some shortcomings in education in the prison system, such as the lack of a clear objective, the lack of continuity and systematicity, the lack of material and human resources, and the complexity of the cooperation between the various departments of the prison. |
