Education, vocational training and work Studies have confirmed that prisoners who receive education and vocational training during their imprisonment are less likely to reoffend and are more likely to find work than those who do not receive such opportunities.71 All programmes will work best if they are developed in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including prisoners, former prisoners and communities. This includes consultations on existing programmes, and identifying problems and deficiencies as well as opportunities for future projects. There is often a significant overlap between education, vocational training and work programmes in prisons. However, there are also distinct considerations for each type of programme. The following section summarises these considerations, with specific reference to female prisoners. Education For those who have previously missed out on educational opportunities, life in prison can provide them with the opportunity to learn basic literacy or numeracy or expand on their existing knowledge. Others can revisit subjects learned at school, gain new qualifications or learn life skills to help them after release. The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education has reported that learning in prison is generally considered to have a positive impact on recidivism, reintegration and employment outcomes. However, the Special Rapporteur has also pointed out that prisoners face significant and complex educational challenges owing to a range of environmental, social, organisational and individual factors.73 Specific barriers to education in prison include a lack of suitably qualified teachers who are willing to work in a prison environment, inflexible learning opportunities, negative attitudes towards mainstream education and a lack of interest and participation, including among female prisoners. As women generally have less economic independence, they also face more economic barriers to fee-paying higher education opportunities in prison. As women in prison are often the main caregivers for their children and other family members, they are likely, where possible, to choose paid prison work over education so that they can send money home.74 Some prisoners find that their learning is interrupted when they are moved to another institution or as a result of security measures such as frequent lockdowns. Others have reported that lessons and exams are regularly cancelled due to a lack of teachers or exam invigilators. Learning in prison through educational programmes is generally considered a tool of change, its value judged by its impact on recidivism, reintegration and, more specifically, employment outcomes upon release. Education is, however, much more than a tool for change. It is an imperative in its own right.72 UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education Penal Reform International and Thailand Institute of Justice | Guide to the rehabilitation and social reintegration of women prisoners | 29