Three students from Open University Malaysia (OUM) who proudly received their degrees and diplomas last week have proven that even incarceration cannot stand in the way of determination and the pursuit of knowledge. Their achievements serve as powerful reminders that education remains a transformative force, regardless of life’s circumstances, and that personal growth and academic success are possible even within prison walls.
Siva, Shankar, and Suresh (names changed for privacy), who are currently serving sentences at Kajang Prison, were among the proud graduates honored during Open University Malaysia’s (OUM) 29th Convocation Ceremony held at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre.
Suresh, 31, who has been serving a life sentence since 2011 under the Tahanan Limpah Sultan (LTS) status at the age of 17, began his academic journey behind bars in 2014 by sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, which he passed with outstanding results.
“I believed my future was finished. However, after taking the SPM at Sekolah Integriti Kajang and emerging as one of the top scorers, I was given the opportunity to pursue a Diploma in Business Management at OUM, fully sponsored by the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA),” he shared with reporters following the convocation ceremony.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Suresh hopes his accomplishment will motivate other inmates to continue their educational journey. Shankar, 34, who successfully completed a Diploma in Business Management, shared that despite the rigid discipline and unconventional learning conditions in prison, he remained committed to his academic goals.
“Suresh and I started our studies back in 2019, but we had to put them on hold for about a year and a half due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When classes resumed, they were conducted entirely online. Despite the difficulties, the prison officers and lecturers were incredibly supportive. They provided essential resources like computers, internet access, and study materials to help us continue our education,” he shared, noting that he too is now pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.
Shankar, who has been incarcerated since 2018, hopes to start his own business after serving the final eight months of his sentence.
Siva, 36, who has been serving an 18-year prison sentence since 2010, credited his success in earning a Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours to the unwavering support of his family, prison staff, and lecturers.
“I had started a diploma course before, but didn’t manage to complete it. After being incarcerated, I discovered there was a chance to continue my education. With my family’s encouragement, I decided to pick up where I left off. After completing the diploma, I went on to earn my degree, and that success inspired me to further pursue a Master’s in Business Administration,” he said.
He also expressed his thanks to all the officers for their assistance in sourcing the materials he needed to complete his assignments on time.
The achievements of Siva, Shankar, and Suresh serve as a proof of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of education. Despite the challenges of incarceration, they have proven that with determination, support, and access to opportunities, personal transformation is possible. Their stories not only inspire fellow inmates but also highlight the invaluable role that education can play in breaking the cycle of disadvantage. As they continue their academic pursuits and look towards brighter futures, they stand as powerful examples of how the pursuit of knowledge can lead to empowerment, both inside and outside the prison walls.
Source: Bernama
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