By Sheila Mckenzie-
Through the evil and monstrous killings of two University graduate’s, the excellent work done by Cambridge University has been made public.
The excellent design of Learning Together established by Cambridge University has been a powerful tool to educate prisoners about stigma, marginalisation and the role of inter group contact in reducing prejudice against criminals from under privileged backgrounds .
It also helps improve our knowledge of how people can be best supported to engage with and develop through learning. Learning Together prides itself on the fact that it has created an environment in which Cambridge graduate criminology students and students at HMP Grendon can learn criminology together over an eight week programme. The first course linking criminology students and prisoners was formed in 2014 at HMP Grendon in Buckinghamshire.
Each session is led by a Cambridge academic and the students read journal articles, and work on essays . Through the combination of theoretical knowledge and personal experiences, they seek to achieve the best balance in understanding the issues many criminals face which has contributed to them becoming offenders.
Whilst no excuses exist for criminals, getting to understand the issues at work in their life, including mental issues, chronic feelings low self esteem arising from rejection or abuse, or even both, participants in The Learning Together Scheme has achieved a lot for both Cambridge academics and prisoners that have come into contact with them through their programme.
Image: The Cambridge Institute Of Technology