THE Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) in partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) launched Tech4ED at the Davao City Jail Female Dormitory last July 29 to expand technology education among inmates and equip them with technological skills to cope with the fast-paced world outside.
In a statement, the BJMP targets to create a group of ICT experts among inmates through a jail-based community development using information and communications technology.
The project is designed "to harness ICT to enable, empower and transform communities by creating an inclusive, integrated and equitable education, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in different centers nationwide."
“We see the value of the program among inmates considering their current status where they are somewhat behind in terms of technologies. We see their detention as an opportune time to learn new things and get themselves updated about information communication technologies," ICTO Mindanao Cluster III focal person Engineer Albert Gabriel said during the launching.
The Tech4ED project includes Basic Digital Literacy Program where inmates learn not only on basic computer operations but also other sustainable e-learning platforms such as Alternative Learning System (ALS) modules and English language proficiency.
When the first 12 inmates graduate, they will likewise be employed as IT laboratory assistants for the next batch of inmates who will complete the program, Gabriel said.
The part of BJMP in the project implementation is that they will provide the training facility for the class since the University of Mindanao (UM) had already donated the training equipment like laptop computers. The DICT on the other hand will provide the use of its platform, solutions, and technology.
BJMP Chief Jail Director Serafin Barretto Jr. lauded the efforts of BJMP Region 11 headed by Jail Senior Superintendent Amelia Rayandayan for coming up with another innovative program geared to transform the detainees into productive individuals.
The launching of the program shows that aside from ensuring the welfare of the detainees, the BJMP also aims to widen their horizon by giving them opportunity to be educated even inside the jail facility to prepare them in their eventual reintegration in the mainstreams society and give them edge in seeking for employment after completing their sentence.