Education Behind Bars: The Lived Experiences of Alternative Learning System Learners in a Philippine Prison

This study explores the lived experiences of 10 alternative learning system (ALS) persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) learners in the Medium Security Compound of New Bilibid Prison, Philippines. It examines how learners make meaning of their experiences and how micro and macro factors influence them. Data was gathered through interviews, focus-group discussions, essays, sentence completion tasks, and observations, followed by thematic analysis. Findings reveal that learners’ experiences are shaped by interwoven personal, relational, and social factors within the prison context. Learners demonstrate strong motivation to start anew, reconnect with family, and pursue personal growth, reflecting resilience and transformative power of education. Three core principles of transformation—reformation, redemption, and reintegration—emerged, emphasizing the critical roles of family support, compassionate educators, and relevant curriculum. The study informs a framework tailored to ALS PDL learners and recommends revising the ALS curriculum to enhance inclusivity, equity, and empowerment for learners and teachers in Philippine prisons.