Purpose
To be one of the best in the world in delivering formal educational programmes with integrity and commitment to excellence an excellent education service that will provide diverse educational needs of persons entrusted to our care.
Objectives of Formal education in DCS
To offer, in partnership with relevant stakeholders a variety of learning fields that are, aimed at contributing towards the development of essential skills and knowledge that will form the foundation for life-long learning.
To offer career orientated needs-driven, adaptable and market related education programmes and services to persons entrusted to our care in a stable and humane teaching environment.
Education programmes
Early Childhood Development
Although the focus of educators in the DCS is mainly on sentenced offenders, the necessary support services and systems are provided to Mother and Child Care units in terms of Early Childhood Development (ECD).
Awaiting-Trial Detainees, Parolees and Probationers
The Directorate Formal Education is only responsible for providing administrative support, study guidance, counselling and other relevant support in terms of studies to awaiting-trial detainees, parolees and probations. During the re-integration process the official in charge of education links the probationer with the community learning centres where practicable.
All Sentenced offenders
3.1 General Education and Training
3.1.1 Children of School-going age:
It is compulsory for children of school-going age to attend school. Education opportunities should be provided to these children (15 years and younger) sentenced to imprisonment. Learning methodologies that will meet the needs of these children and contribute towards their personal growth are utilized in Correctional centres. The curriculum as prescribed by the Department of Education is followed.
3.1.2 Pre Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) and ABET level 1 – 4:
Pre-ABET programmes is a compulsory part of the ABET field and provide opportunities to learners to learn to read and write. This course serves as a bridging phase to ABET level 1. ABET is available from level one (1) up to level four (4). The programme is presented by trained ABET practitioners (educators, functional officials / trained offender facilitators).
3.2 Further Education and Training (FET)
This programme is offered in cooperation and in line with national and provincial departments of education and the DCS is bound by the directives and curricula of these departments. Free education, up to and including grade 12 (including N1-N3 business studies) is provided to all sentenced juveniles and also to adult learners where resources permit or education qualifications can be obtained by means of distance learning in the learners own time and at his/her own expense.
3.3. Higher Education and Training (HET)
All courses / subjects / study fields that falls in this band should be done through distance learning in the offenders own time and at his/her own expense and includes, diplomas, occupational certificates, first degrees, higher diplomas, professional qualifications, higher degrees, further research degrees and doctorates.
3.4. Computer Based Learning
The purpose for the establishment of computer based learning centres is to provide learners with a secure environment to utilize technology for study purposes, to train offenders to become computer literate as well as to use the centre within a multimedia approach to train students in relevant courseware packages / applications.
Target Groups
Incarcerated Mothers with their children / Babies
Awaiting-Trial Detainees
Sentenced offenders:
Children (male and female) refers to a person under the age of 18 years
Youths (male and females)
Adults (male and females)
Physically challenged persons
The aged
Pre-releases.
Parolees and Probationers