Exploring the experiences and challenges of adult learners employed as Correctional Officials in the context of COVID-19.

Abstract

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), “most governments around the world temporarily closed education and training institutions in an attempt to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic” (ILO, 2020, p. 1). Literature argues that “COVID- 19 has created the largest disruption of education systems in history, affecting nearly 1.6 billion learners in more than 190 countries and all continents” (United Nations, 2020, p. 2). This study explores the experiences and challenges encountered by adult learners who, during the COVID-19 pandemic, were employed as Correctional Officials (COs) in the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) at Durban-Westville Correctional Centre, South Africa. In other words, while continuing to be rehabilitation facilitators and carers within their families they were also enrolled in as part-time students in different institutions of higher learning. The qualitative research tradition was used to explore the COs' interpretation of COVID-19 experiences and challenges in relation to their circumstances. Purposive sampling was employed, and data were generated using an online survey and in-depth interviews with six participants. Demographic and Thematic Analysis were employed respectively in analysing the raw data and generated themes that became key findings of the study Findings revealed that studying COs had challenges that related to internal, external and program-related factors indicating the interrelated nature of these challenges. Findings further indicated that the challenges experienced by the studying COs varied depending on age, gender, skills as well as the context of the study. Findings also revealed that the pandemic has had significant impacts on the COs' personal and professional lives, with challenges such as limited resources and lack of support systems. However, the COs' personal circumstances and resilience have also shaped the pandemic's impact, leading to some positive coping mechanisms. The study recommends support systems for adult learners with multiple responsibilities and highlights the need for further research on the impact of COVID-19 on Correctional Officials. Overall, the study contributes to the understanding of the experiences and challenges encountered by adult learners with multiple roles during the pandemic in a correctional setting.