One of the most important things education can teach prisoners is to write and read. According to a study conducted in 2010, 85% of minors within the prison system are "functionally illiterate", and 60% of prisoners are also illiterate (Rosario). Literacy is the key to keeping not only children but also adults out of the prison system. It is important not only from an educational point of view; but also from a mental health point of view. One of the most therapeutic ways to express emotions and thoughts is to write them down and get them out of the person's head. These skills are also useful when dealing with other people. A basic understanding can prevent people from being manipulated based on ignorance. The ability to read and write is an essential part of becoming a functioning, productive, and beneficial member of society as a whole. Studies have shown that approximately 70% of people who do not receive help with literacy skills after leaving prison will return; while only 16% of ex-prisoners will return if they receive help in reading and writing (Rosario). With numbers like these, it's impossible not to see the correlation between education and staying out of prison. Educational programs are available today in our current prison system, but there are not many of them and they are not taken as seriously as they should. If these programs gain importance in
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