On April 10, three prison-based literacy groups—Free to Succeed, Project Reach and GED Prep—all struggling for material and recognition, broke bread in the San Quentin Protestant Chapel, granting their facilitators a chance to interact and network. They were able to agree on one principle in particular: Educating inmates during their internment translates to a safer community once they are released.
“We lack materials,” said inmate Bobby Evans, organizer of the banquet. There is a serious shortage of everything from paper and pencils to textbooks, he added.
Because of the various programs, “I wanted everyone to see each other, and get to know who’s involved with helping inmates get GEDs,” Evans said.
“The better we are in preparing you in here, the safer we are going to be when you get out,” North Block Associate Warden S. Albritton told the audience. “I believe that second to ‘attitude,’ education is the most important thing. Education is important to rehabilitation.”
San Quentin’s literacy programs target inmates at different levels of education. Free to Succeed targets inmates who need assistance at grade levels three through six. Project Reach serves inmates in need of assistance in grade levels six through 12. GED Prep prepares inmates ready for GED testing.
“I want to support all programs. I’m accessible and available,” said Albritton. “There are a lot of opportunities that weren’t available in the past. Go beyond from where you are. Don’t be satisfied with a GED; seek college.”
Volunteer inmates facilitate each of the programs. They have completed a tutor-training course given by Marin Literacy Program. Tutors work in classrooms, on the prison yard, in the cellblocks and at work sites during lunches and break time.
“I think it is so important to have these types of programs in these facilities,” said Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, a frequent San Quentin visitor since 1992.
“I remember when Bobby was quiet and didn’t read,” Carson said, referring to the banquet organizer. “Now he’s learned how to speak publicly and he teaches his peers how to improve their education. He’s impressive.”
“We recruit volunteers to teach. It’s a unique program that started in 1999. The connection with Marin Literacy was to create the same tutoring availability for students the way it’s done outside for those inside. The prison literacy programs create a culture of learning and when you’ve educated yourselves, you want to pass that down,” said Madeleine Provost, Marin Literacy Program liaison.
“If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem,” said Voluntary Education Program Coordinator Marci Ficarra. “I’m in it because I want my community to be safer. Education is something that can’t be taken away from you. I think society fails anyone who does not get an education. I’m hoping that we can succeed so that you can spread education.”
“It is the student’s desire to learn that is at the heart of this program,” said Project REACH Secretary David Lee.
“The prison literacy programs create a culture of learning”
Carson said, “We think it is critical that we work with individuals to improve their quality of life, so that people know when they’re getting out, there’s a handoff. When you look at the odds against you, I believe you can succeed. I believe if you’re able to do the job, then that should be the first thing about employment. Can you do the job? The government is working on that. Yeah, it’s hard, but make the change.”
James Metters and Dwight Kennedy entertained the audience with an educational rap.
Albritton and Carson listened with heads bobbing and beaming smiles. “They ought to record that!” Albritton said.
“Alameda County has been supporting the incarcerated as long as I’ve been here,” Evans said. “I’ve known Keith for about 12 years. He’s also involved with No More Tears.”
No More Tears is a violence-prevention group led by Lonnie Morris. “It’s no more tears in response to violence,” Evans said.
Provost provides volunteer instructors for Project REACH, including Carol Hardee and Sue Pixley.
