5,843 to sit for midterm exams in prisons

DAMMAM: A total of 5,843 inmates in Saudi prisons, including a number sentenced to death, are preparing for the two-week midterm examination period scheduled to start next Sunday.
A total of 1,002 inmates are preparing to sit for university exams, while the remainder will sit for exams in different educational levels.
The assistant spokesman for the General Directorate of Prisons, Maj. Abdullah Al-Harbi, said the “directorate has finalized equipping halls in the prison for inmates to perform their exams, which have been set up be quite similar to the normal school environment with all the necessary tools.”
He said the role of the Ministry of Education is to supervise the examination process in the prisons, and to follow up on the studies of all inmates held in various cases with no exception, including those sentenced to death.
“The education system in prisons began in the year 1398 AH, and we have a long experience holding examinations inside prisons, as exams are held annually as prepared for,” said Al-Harbi.
He revealed “a majority of prisoners are open and welcoming to the idea of completing their studies, unaffected by the prison environment, and the prison management in different areas works on providing the appropriate environment alongside advice and support to inmates.”
He said management works to remove all obstacles to study, and offers libraries, desks and the necessary tools inside the wards, while the Ministry of Education provides teachers, curricula and teaching aids and oversees the educational and testing process.
He said educational and cultural programs also occupy a place in corrective and rehabilitation programs, as the directorate seeks to help inmates return to the right path and be good citizens in the community.
“The directorate is keen to support inmates and allow them to continue their lives and their education as they carry out their sentences,” added Al-Harbi.