​​The Ubuntu Learning Community (ULC) is creating an opportunity for incarcerated individuals to learn alongside Stellenbosch University (SU) students and academics.

The ULC is South Africa's first prison-university partnership and is spearheaded by Dr Mary Nel from the Faculty of Law. This unique project has been rolled out at the Brandvlei Correctional Centre in Worcester in collaboration with the Department of Correctional Services. International partners and inspiration for the ULC include the American based organisation Prison-to-College Pipeline and the UK based initiative, Learning Together.

As part of South Africa's Women's Month celebrations, Dr Nel tells us more about this ground-breaking project.

Tell us more about the ULC?

The ULC aims to give incarcerated students at Brandvlei and SU students the opportunity to study an interdisciplinary short course together in Brandvlei Prison. Not only does the project promote collaborative learning, but it also serves as a platform for prisoners to make good use of the time they spend incarcerated. We also hope to work with the staff at Brandvlei towards a common goal of improving incarcerated students' prospects for successful re-entry after release, and to decrease levels of recidivism. This is a pilot project, the first prison-university partnership in South Africa, but we hope it will expand to other prisons and universities in future.

Who is participating in the ULC?

We have a total of about 30 SU students and Unisa students from Brandvlei Prison from a variety of different disciplines and year groups enrolled in the Ubuntu Learning short course. The course theme is “Am I because we are? Exploring selves and communities". Colleagues from the Departments of History, Law, Economics and English present the short course to these students.

What makes the ULC project unique?

Its aim is to 'rehumanise' learning by focusing on learning's social, ubuntu-focused dimensions – collaboration, community-building and connectedness. 

You are currently focused on the educational component of the ULC. What other components will be added to the project?

We are looking for funding to expand beyond the interdisciplinary course. We want to start a reintegration programme for incarcerated students post-incarceration. 

The reintegration component envisages academic and social supports to aid students transitioning from prison to the community to continue their education, obtain employment, and lead stable, productive, fulfilling lives post-incarceration. 

We will also look at a student-led initiative aimed at educating and sensitising SU students and the wider community about the incarceration system.

Why is it important to add these components to the ULC project?

We want to reduce the stigma of having a criminal record and change the how others perceive those who have been incarcerated. If we shun people and label them, then that person will not be able to find employment and become a productive member of society. It's in society's best interest to change the narrative of people released from prison.

Why is it important for SU students and academics to participate in the UCL?

If you are looking from the perspective of the SU student and academic, it gives them a wonderful opportunity to learn in a way that enables them to feel connected to others, which leads to empowerment, transformative learning and holistic student development. Transformative learning takes place when students are exposed to new experiences and perspectives, such as interaction with diverse peers.  It is about challenging your prejudices and beliefs. We encourage participants to reflect on and commit to contributing to the common good and to develop a sense of individual and social responsibility.  Learning in this way gives you the opportunity to step into someone else's shoes.

Leading such an initiative is not an easy task. What drives you to do this?

It's the right thing to do. As someone who is humane, if I get the opportunity to change people's lives, then I must do it.