SHAPERS: A Sustainable University-Community Partnership Model for Transformative Prison Education, Rehabilitation, and Social Reintegration

Authors: Precious T. Mongcal
Journal: Journal of University of Mindanao's Best Practices | Vol. 1, No. 1, July 2026
DOI:
0 downloads | 2 views

Abstract

SELF-HARNESSING ACTIVITIES TOWARD PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH AND OTHER RELEVANT SKILLS (SHAPERS) is the flagship community extension initiative of the Bachelor of Arts in English Language Program under the College of Arts and Sciences Education of the University of Mindanao. Established in 2018, SHAPERS exemplifies the University's commitment to social responsibility by transforming academic expertise into sustainable community impact through prison education. Rather than providing short-term assistance, the program empowers Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), particularly inmate-educators facilitating the Alternative Learning System (ALS) at Davao City Jail, through capacity-building, values formation, and educational support.

The project aims to (1) strengthen the pedagogical competence and leadership of inmate-educators; (2) cultivate teacher identity, responsibility, and personal transformation; (3) improve educational opportunities for incarcerated ALS learners; and (4) foster a culture of civic engagement among faculty, students, alumni, and institutional partners.

Implemented annually in Davao City since 2018, SHAPERS adopts a sustainable university–community partnership model that mobilizes faculty expertise, student service-learning, alumni volunteerism, and collaboration with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). Its key activities include needs assessment, targeted teacher training, instructional material development, resource-sharing drives, mentoring, research, and program evaluation.

In 2026, the initiative trained 21 inmate-educators through workshops on teacher identity, pedagogy, classroom management, and low-cost instructional material development while mobilizing faculty, students, alumni, and BJMP personnel in a shared mission of rehabilitation through education.

By integrating instruction, extension, research, and community engagement, SHAPERS advances SDGs 4, 16, and 17 while demonstrating how higher education institutions can become catalysts for inclusive learning, restorative justice, and sustainable social transformation.

Keywords

Transformative Prison Education, Rehabilitation, Social Reintegration, University-Community Partnership