Abstract:
Prisoners are not permanently criminal, and it is possible to restore them. The main objective of this research was to investigate the practices and challenges of non-formal education and training for prisoners at the Ambo Town Prison Administration. The researcher used a mixed method of both quantitative and qualitative concurrent convergent-parallel design. A quantitative sample of 55 respondents, including prisoners, was chosen randomly, and facilitators were chosen purposefully from participants in the non-formal education and training program. To collect qualitative data from participants, a semi-structured interview guide was used, and focus group discussions were performed. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. Both descriptive and inferential (independent sample t-test and ANOVA) statistical techniques were used to analyze the quantitative data. Thematic content analysis was used to investigate the qualitative data. The study's findings revealed that prisoners (42.1%) had a low level of participation in the prison program. About 59.09% of the prisoners benefited from non-formal education and training program. Administrative-related, resource-related, and motivation-related challenges were identified as key challenges. Numerous options existed to enhance the non-formal education and training program, including the assistance of interested parties and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The prison's administration didn't take advantage of these chances, though. Despite the program's numerous difficulties, the study's key finding was that there was low participation among prisoners in the non-formal education and training program. As a result, for the benefit of the prisoners, further education should be recommended for non-formal education and training. Beyond this study, future research needs to focus on female prisoners
