In my opinion, prisons should serve two purposes: punishment and rehabilitation. People should be punished for their crimes. I won’t argue that. But at the same time, they should also be given a chance to rehabilitate themselves and rejoin society with something to offer.
I recently read about a fantastic program that started in Brazil in 2012 and has spread to several other countries. It’s called the Remission for Reading Program, and I think it’s an amazing rehabilitation program.
Basically, a prisoner is allowed to shave 48 days off their sentence each year by reading books and reviewing them. When they check out a book, they have 21 – 30 days to read it (depending on the page count), then 10 days to write a review. The reviews are then…reviewed…to ensure the inmate has a grasp of the subject matter and concepts. If approved, they can shave 4 days off their sentence.
Additionally, the program in Brazil has partnered with a publisher, which supplies the titles. In turn, the publisher can use the reviews (or excerpts from the reviews) as part of their book marketing.
So this is a win-win for everyone involved.
This program has expanded to several other countries and has shown a reduction in recidivism rates. I’m sure that participants come out of this program with a better understanding of themselves and the world around them.
It goes to show that reading is beneficial and the pursuit of knowledge only lifts people up.
What are your thoughts on reading programs like this?
RB
Great program! 👍
Agreed! 🙂
What a fantastic idea! No wonder it’s a success.
Agreed, Sheree. Here’s hoping it’ll continue to spread.
Absolutely Richard
What an interesting (and useful) reading program! 📚📚
My thoughts exactly, Luisa. Thank you for stopping by!
You’re more than welcome 🌹📕
Sounds great. I wonder what the restrictions that US bookbanners and anti-Wokesters would place on the books. Maybe issue them Trump Bible, Art of the Deal, Melania’s Memoir. God forbid it might include any titles they want to read or might actually help them.
LOL! I’d hope they’d would provide books above a 3rd grade reading level! 🙂
Thanks for the laugh, Pat.
Great! Reading programs like this open minds, reduce sentences, and restore hopes!
A true step toward healing!
Love this
I hope it will continue to be supported and spread to other countries. Thank you for commenting, Roksana. 🙂
If reading is a punishment, I’ll do prison time without committing a crime 🤭
But honestly, what a great initiative!
Reading keeps me sane and reviewing and discussing the book with others only makes me smarter, so definitely a win-win.
I think maybe a lot of people don’t like the idea of reading, but once you’re a few chapters into a good book, you simply can’t stop! 😄
I feel the same way, Andrea. I’d actually be okay with being locked away with an endless stack of books!
What if the selection of book titles is too restricted. Will you be allowed to voice your concern?
I’m not sure, Jasper. I assume the prisoners would be allowed to request titles, but at the same time I’m sure there are certain titles that are forbidden.