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Dr Jacques Jordaan (Department of Psychology, University of the Free State), a member of the Inside-out Outside-in South African Corrections Interest Group, initiated a book project at the Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC) located on the outskirts of Mangaung. This initiative forms part of the broader mission of the Inside-Out Corrections Interest Group, an interdisciplinary collective of South African and international scholars, citizens, and professionals interested in corrections-related issues. Members of the interest group include academics, researchers, and staff from the Department of Correctional Services, such as psychologists and social workers.

The Inside-Out Corrections Interest Group believes in facilitating processes where ‘outside’ citizens can actively engage and collaborate with the ‘inside’ correctional environment in South Africa. The group encourages collaborative generation and dissemination of knowledge about corrections experiences, circumstances, and initiatives. While the interest group does not manage interventions, it serves as a clearing house for information on initiatives such as developing tertiary education opportunities for offenders and officials, issues of social reintegration and recidivism after release, and issues relating to the families and relatives of offenders.

One of the Inside-Out Corrections Interest Group initiatives is the book project, which has been introduced in several correctional centres across South Africa. Dr Jordaan extended this project to MCC, with generous book donations from the Unisa library (thanks to the involvement of Dr Simelane Fana, a fellow group member), alongside contributions from Rotary Humanitarian International, staff from the Department of Psychology at the University of the Free State (UFS), and postgraduate Psychology students from the UFS. On 20 September 2024, a total of 1 079 books were officially handed over to MCC. These donations comprised fiction, non-fiction, academic textbooks, and schoolbooks, all aimed at supporting the education and personal development of incarcerated offenders. The handover event, held at the school in MCC, was attended by Dr Jordaan, postgraduate Psychology students, and staff from the correctional centre. The books are expected to play a crucial role in empowering offenders through education and literacy, fostering personal growth, and enhancing their prospects for successful reintegration into society upon release.

Dr Jordaan advocates strongly for this initiative, emphasising the transformative power of reading. He highlights several key benefits of providing offenders with access to books:

• Books can mentally stimulate incarcerated offenders. Engaging with literature and non-fiction can keep offenders’ minds active and sharp, reducing the likelihood of cognitive decline that can occur during long periods of inactivity and isolation.
• Reading can lead to possible empathy and understanding. Reading fiction can allow individuals to experience diverse perspectives and cultures, fostering empathy and understanding. This can be crucial for personal growth and rehabilitation, helping offenders develop a more compassionate outlook.
• Books and reading can provide a much-needed emotional escape and relief from the harsh realities of the correctional environment. Immersing oneself in a story can offer emotional relief and a sense of freedom, even if temporary.
• Books can enable incarcerated offenders to participate in civil discourse. Books can introduce offenders to a wide range of ideas and debates, encouraging critical thinking and participation in meaningful discussions. This can help them engage in constructive dialogue and decision making.
• Reading and learning can contribute to the reduction of recidivism. Studies have shown that educational programmes in correctional centres, including access to reading materials, can reduce recidivism rates. Offenders who engage in educational activities are less likely to re-offend, benefiting both the individual and society.
• Reading can contribute to the development of the offenders, as books offer offenders the tools to build skills and knowledge, enabling them to work towards self-improvement and rehabilitation.

Staff at MCC expressed deep appreciation for the book donations and are optimistic about continuing their collaboration with the Department of Psychology at the University of the Free State, recognising the long-term value of education and rehabilitation in the correctional environment. Dr Jordaan’s hope is for this project to be rolled out at Grootvlei Correctional Centre as well.