Abstract:
The objective of this study was to assess the role of vocational education and training to rehabilitate prisoners and challenges it encounters in Benc’ Sheko and Kaffa zone correctional institutions. To achieve the objective of the study longitudinal research design was employed. To determine sample respondents Yamane simplified formula had been employed. Qualitative data collected through questionnaire. Pertinent to qualitative data interview, key informants’ interview, document analysis and observation were used. The qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The qualitative data was analyzed theoretically. To end, the finding of the study revealed that vocational education and training play significant role in rehabilitating prisoners in terms of bringing about attitudinal change and changing their view towards crime as well as enabling them to have skill and knowledge which are vital for their current socio-economic well-being. The study also revealed that, low prisoners motivation and participation in rehabilitation program, inconsistency of education and training, poor institutional setting for education and training, low institutional linkage with educational institution, duration of the training, lack of resources and low support and reinforcement from prison officers are the major challenges which jeopardize the rehabilitation role of vocational education training in prison. Finally, the researcher recommends that all concerned bodies should work together so as to strengthen prison education because the costs of crime jeopardize the well-being of the society and the country at large.
