UNESCO Recognizes RAK Prison Education Program

Apr 21, 2026

86 min

Apr 21, 2026 02:30

UNESCO recognises RAK prison programme as learning leader

## International Recognition for RAK Prison Program

A prison education initiative in Ras Al Khaimah has been acknowledged by UNESCO as a leading example in the region for lifelong learning and rehabilitation. This recognition comes from a case study by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, which highlights the program's role as a model for correctional education.

## Program Details

Launched in 2011, the Ras Al Khaimah Prison Program is a collaborative effort between the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research and the Ras Al Khaimah Correctional Facility. It aims to provide educational resources and activities that support both learning and psychosocial wellbeing for inmates and correctional officers.

Central to the initiative is a multipurpose library with over 9,000 books, offering spaces for reading, group activities, and psychological counseling. The program also includes a reading club and various communal activities to encourage personal development.

## Educational Opportunities

The program offers a diverse range of courses, including literacy in Arabic and English, business management, ICT, art, mental health first aid, and life skills. These efforts are part of a broader shift towards rehabilitative correctional practices in Ras Al Khaimah.

## Impact and Participation

Since its inception, nearly 25% of the inmate population has utilized the prison library, and over 1,000 inmates have participated in at least one educational course. Feedback from participants indicates a renewed sense of hope and clearer pathways to reintegration into society.

## Broader Commitment

Ras Al Khaimah joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2022, documenting lifelong learning initiatives across various settings, including correctional institutions. The prison education program is a key element of the emirate's commitment to inclusive education and equitable access to learning.

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