27 September 2016: University of Cambridge visiting experts in education inside the prison system will join University of Canberra law academics to discuss the importance of building partnerships between prisons and universities at a public forum to be held TOMORROW.
Dr Ruth Armstrong, research associate at the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Law, and Dr Amy Ludlow, lecturer in applied criminology, penology and management, designed the Learning Together program which has been running in the United Kingdom, and by early next year there will be 20 prisons participating.
This project creates opportunities for collaborative learning with the aim of dismantling stereotypes and offering prisoners a meaningful vision for the future after release.
Dr Lorana Bartels, University of Canberra’s Head of the School of Law and Justice, who will join the international academics, says the visit is an opportunity to learn from the benefits the initiative has already had in the UK.
“The Learning Together program brings together students in prisons and universities to study university-level courses with each other,” Dr Bartels said. “The program in the UK had students learning criminology together in eight-week courses, led by academics from Cambridge.
“Results from Learning Together already show that it can overcome the prisoners’ own pessimistic feelings that they cannot achieve a higher education. At the same time, the program helps university students break the stereotypes they hold about people in the justice system.”
The academics will discuss the potential for the Learning Together program to promote individual, institutional and social transformation and inclusive growth for those in prison.
“We hear a lot about the transformational potential of education, and in the case of the justice system, it’s worth considering how the changes it can bring could be a turning point for people in Australian prisons.”
- Dr Bartels is available for interview on 0422 729 283.
- Interviews with Drs Ludlow and Armstrong can be arranged.
WHAT: Learning Together – Experts from the University of Cambridge and the University of Canberra discuss partnerships between prisons and universities.
WHEN: Wednesday 28 September, 10.00am – 12.00pm
WHERE: Building 11, Level B, Room 56, University of Canberra
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Claudia Doman: 0408 826 362
Marcus Butler: 0438 447 810