THE MINISTRY of Basic, Higher and Technical Education partnered with the Bureau of Jail Management to provide free technical and vocational education and training to persons deprived of liberty.

The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Agreement on August 6.

“Deprivation of liberty does not mean deprivation of the right to education. The PDL, especially the youth in confinement, are among the most vulnerable groups in our society,” MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal said.

“Education has important benefits to the PDL as it provides support towards pro-social behavior to allow them to develop a sense of citizenship and self-esteem,” Iqbal added.

The PDLs included in the skills training are those who have been incarcerated for three years and below or awaiting trial.

Under the agreement, PDLs will undergo Livelihood Skills Training Course that aims to provide opportunity to reintegrate them as productive members of the society through the promotion of self or wage employment.

“This initiative is one of the ministry’s strategies in attaining peace and development through TVET which supports stability efforts through convergence with other agencies and organizations,” MBHTE said.

Meanwhile, BJMP Regional Director Amado Conception Jr. extended his full support to the partnership.