EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND WORK However, as has been demonstrated in many prison settings, these factors and the challenges they present are not insurmountable. For example, the introduction of modular courses that enable credits to be acquired can work well for prisoners serving short sentences, and can also protect prisoners from losing their educational attainment if their learning is disrupted. In some countries, the lack of teaching facilities and staff can also be overcome through the use of distance learning courses.75 Other ways to increase interest in prison education programmes and address low levels of motivation among female prisoners is improved information and awareness raising about the opportunities available and the benefits of participation. For this to be successful, it is important that prison staff themselves have positive attitudes towards prison education and that they actively encourage prisoners to participate in the programmes. It can also be helpful to use alternative teaching methods to those used in mainstream education and to consider non-formal and self-directed learning as a route into formal education or as a rehabilitation tool in itself. This might include teaching by prison guards, volunteers and prisoners themselves and through peer support groups. Studies have shown that whilst formal education programmes in prisons have had success in reducing recidivism, the introduction of informal learning can have additional benefits and longer-lasting effects, including improved self-confidence and motivation.76 Education in prison can take many forms and, where possible, prisoners should be allowed to participate in education outside prison. Where education does take place in prison, it is beneficial to involve the outside community as much as possible. PROMISING PRACTICE: Peer education programmes A 2007 review of the effectiveness of interventions to address HIV in prisons77 found that, based on the data and literature available, HIV education programmes in prisons were more likely to be effective if developed and delivered by peers. Researchers have pointed out that peer education may be an effective intervention approach because ‘[i]nmate peer educators are more likely to have specific knowledge about risk behaviour occurring both inside and outside the prison. Peer education has the additional advantage of being costeffective and, consequently, sustainable. 30 | Inmate peer educators are always available to provide services as they live alongside the other inmates who are their educational target.’78 Peer educators can play a key role in educating other prisoners because they can tackle illegal or forbidden activities without fear of retribution and can speak openly to others. Their input is less likely to be viewed with suspicion by other prisoners and they are better placed to decide which educational strategies will work best in their prison. Peer-led education can also be of benefit to the educators themselves by improving their self-confidence and self-esteem. Penal Reform International and Thailand Institute of Justice | Guide to the rehabilitation and social reintegration of women prisoners