Youth PDL from Iligan City jail empowered through graphic design

DAVAO CITY — Youth deprived of liberty (PDL) from the Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory are participating in a transformative computer literacy program centered on the use of Canva, a user-friendly graphic design platform.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to uphold their right to education and skills training, crucial for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Canva, known for its accessibility and versatility, allows users to create professional-quality designs for social media posts, presentations, flyers, and more. By introducing Canva, the program aims to enhance the digital skills of PDL youth, equipping them with marketable abilities that can significantly boost their employability and self-sufficiency post-release.

The training dubbed as “Tech Behind Bars” project, under the larger “Program Behind Bars,” a collaboration between the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT).

The partnership, established in October 2023, seeks to provide education and skills development opportunities for PDL, promoting their right to rehabilitation and preparation for reintegration into the community.

Weekly training sessions, which began on April 29, 2024, are conducted by a team of professors from MSU-IIT’s College of Computer Studies, led by Associate Professor Alquine Roy F. Taculin.

The project started with the basic keyboarding skills, the program has expanded to include training in Microsoft Office applications such as Excel and PowerPoint, with Canva as its latest addition.

“Empowering PDL with digital skills is a step towards giving them a second chance at life,” said Professor Taculin. “Canva is a powerful tool that can open up new opportunities for them to express their creativity and improve their employability.”

City Jail Warden JCI Carmelo A. Corsame emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, “We are committed to providing our PDL with the resources they need to rebuild their lives. Programs like these are essential for their rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.”

This initiative underscores the commitment of both the BJMP and MSU-IIT to uphold the rights of PDL to education and skill development, providing them with the tools to rebuild their futures.

By addressing their digital literacy needs, the program not only enhances their potential for societal reintegration but also reaffirms their dignity and right to a second chance.