Abstract :
This study intends to evaluate the effectiveness of vocational training programs for female inmates in Sri Lanka. This is a qualitative study based on vocational training programs conducted for female inmates in Dumbara (New Bogambara) and Kalutara prisons in Sri Lanka.The study used primary data and semi-structured in-depth interviews which were conducted with trainers engaged in providing vocational training programs for the female inmates in the chosen two prisons. Purposive sampling method was used. Data collection was carried out during September 2020 and due to the Covid-19 pandemic,access to the trainers was highly restricted and thereby the study was limited to interview onlyfour trainers. Thematic analysis was adopted for data analysis.The trainers emphasized on seven themes regardingthe effectiveness of vocational training programs conducted for the female inmates in the selected two prisons in Sri Lanka. Good organizational support for vocational training programs, positive reaction from female inmates to take the trainings, creating opportunities for female inmates to expand their learning and help exinmates to find self-employment opportunities, learning and behavioural changes among the inmates,promoting inter relationships among the female inmates, offering of effective incentive system for female inmates, cost avoidance in the prison.Findings implied that the effective conduct of vocational training programs for the female inmates is beneficial for the inmates, prison authorities and ultimately for the society at large.
Keyword :
Effectiveness, Vocational training programs, Female inmates, Prisons, Trainers