Three men serving prison sentences were among those who received short-course certificates at a recent graduation, Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez says.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show, Fernandez highlighted their participation as an example of education creating opportunities for rehabilitation.

“Amongst them were three young men from the prison,” he said.

Asked whether the men had been released, Fernandez clarified that they remained incarcerated but had been able to access the courses.

He said the opportunity to study and receive recognition for their work could help prepare them for life after prison.

“I was so very much pleased to see these young men go up and pose to get their certificate,” Fernandez said.

His remarks came during a wider discussion about access to education, youth violence and the role of families and communities in supporting young people.

Fernandez presented the men’s achievement as evidence that educational opportunities were reaching people beyond the general student population.

The discussion did not establish which courses the three men completed or clearly identify the institution that awarded their certificates. Their names and the length of their programmes were not provided.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Three prisoners earn short-course certificates, Fernandez says.