“Anything is possible, if you try hard enough”
Our Frank Awards help people in prison who want to start an Open University degree. For most it is their first attempt at higher education. One of our Frank Award holders recently graduated in Global Development. At his graduation ceremony, held in the prison and attended by his family and Longford Trust mentor, he said some important words about what getting a degree meant for him that he has allowed us to share.
‘Firstly, I’d like to thank you all for coming here today. This is a very rare and special occasion with family, friends, the Longford Trust, the prison and Open University all coming together to celebrate, what for me, is a wonderful accomplishment. It really does mean a lot, so thank you all. In many ways, it is a vital reminder that opportunities here in prison are crucial and must be maintained. We change lives together. I stand here before you as a clear example that, with the right nurturing, resolution, and dedication to hard work, education is the only true form of self-rehabilitation.
I am extremely proud of what I have achieved. I am an individual who grew up on a council estate, who has made some serious mistakes in his life, but decided that I won’t let these define my future, or the person I want to be. What I am is a hardworking, pragmatic, and determined individual. I have been described as relentless and laser-focused by some, but also as a right pain in the backside by others. I wouldn’t class myself as highly intelligent, or even extremely clever. I have nothing more than average intelligence. I have nothing uniquely special about me. Well, apart from my dashing good looks and modesty, that is.
My journey can be an inspiration
But on a serious note, I came to prison 18 years ago with no formal academic qualifications as I had left school without sitting my GCSEs. I subsequently joined the British Army, which is what I had always wanted to do, following in my grandfather’s footsteps. When I left, I became self-employed and owned a number of successful businesses, as I have always been very good with finances and making money. Maybe that’s why I ended up getting involved with the wrong crowds, making regrettable decisions and, within a few years, receiving a prison sentence. It was at this point, I decided to try and turn my life around for the better, and use my time in prison as constructively as I possibly could.
I completed my GCSEs, A Levels, and then enrolled on a business degree and continue on my journey to complete a Masters in Global Development. Securing the funding was such an uphill battle, which took a lot out of me, self-funding through myself, family, friends and writing letters to charities, requesting grants and donations. Without all of these individuals, this achievement, just would not have been possible. Completing my Masters has been so fulfilling, but I am acutely aware that there are many prisoners who face similar challenges in their quest to better themselves. Many end up with brick walls in their way, so I hope that my journey can be an inspiration to these men and women, and give them hope for the future, despite the obstacles and hurdles that the system sometimes presents.
Education beyond what I dreamed possible
Notwithstanding all this, studying was one of the most rewarding times of my imprisonment. It took my level of education well beyond whatever I could have dreamed possible. I do not come from a family of academics. In fact, I am the first person in my whole family to have obtained a degree and now a Masters. I have embraced every challenge to achieve my ambitions and aspirations. I have worked, and continue to work, extremely hard to the best of my ability not just for myself, but for my family.
I am eternally grateful to my loved ones, as they are my inspiration, especially my mother and grandmother for, without their unwavering support, help and encouragement, I would not have completed this. I would also like to dedicate this achievement to my three children and my two grandchildren. Everything I do, I do it for them.
Evidently investment in my education has had a multi-layered effect, which has inspired my youngest son to follow in my footsteps. He is currently in his final year at university in Manchester. I am so proud of him, as I am of all my children.
Learn as if you were to live forever
I would also like to point out that this accomplishment has only been made possible with help of charities like the Longford Trust (amongst others) who have provided financial help and support to me along the way. I am very grateful to them for my mentor, James, for his unflinching support. He has provided me with his time, knowledge, and expertise which have been invaluable. Thank you, James.
Gandhi once said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as if you were to live forever”. In the future, I hope doing events and discussions like this here today may motivate, enthuse, and show people both inside and outside of prison that you can still reap the rewards of hard work, and make the most out of a bad situation. Anything is possible, if you try hard enough.’
Our Frank Awards are grants for serving prisoners to cover the cost of one full module (60 credits) towards degrees at the Open University. They are run as a joint project with the Prisoners’ Education Trust, supported financially by the Linbury Trust. To apply for a Frank Award, check our eligibility information and download the form. The closing date for OU modules starting in October is 15 August.