THE CONTRIBUTION OF MARIA SALETE VAN DER POEL TO EDUCATION IN PRISONS: REFLECTIONS ON THE RIGHT TO TEACH AND LEARN

Abstract

The present study aims to reflect on the right to education in prisons, focusing on the educational experience developed by educator Maria Salete van der Poel. The educator dedicated herself to defending the right to education and other human rights of people deprived of their liberty, exploring the challenges and possibilities of promoting teaching and learning from a liberating perspective in this space and context. Methodologically, descriptive research, reflections on the teacher's (auto)biographical productions and research related to the topic were used. The study reveals Maria Salete's pioneering spirit, professionalism, activism and sensitivity in developing educational practices with a transgressive and liberating bias. She has become a national reference in this area. The article contributes to the understanding of the benefits of education in prisons and highlights the importance of guaranteeing access to this educational opportunity for people deprived of their liberty, aiming to guarantee human rights and their social reintegration outside the walls.