It’s not everyday that dropouts get to top their graduating class.

But in a Cebu jail, an inmate who was a high school dropout is now about to graduate valedictorian this May.

Jacqueline Torrefiel, 49, is serious in outsmarting all her 19 classmates enrolled under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) which the Department of Education (DepEd) introduced to Lapu-Lapu City Jail and all jails nationwide.

In her free time, one can find her at the facility’s library, researching for class.

“I want to be a model to my own kids and show them the value of education,” Jacqueline explained.

The 49-year old widow and mother of four, was a dropout in high school in 1976.

Dressmaking was her bread and butter after the death of her husband who was a military officer.

Her commitment to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in 2000 due to a violation of the Dangerous Drug Act brought two of her kids in a shelter. No one would take care of them.

School in Jail

Under detention, Jacqueline took every opportunity for development. As an inmate, she learned livelihood projects. In fact, she has Lapu-Lapu City Jail to thank for finishing technical courses like dressmaking, culinary arts, and cosmetology.

And from these skills, she was able to earn somehow, little by little, for her expenses and for her children’s.

An inmate that she is, Jacqueline is not just a student eager to learn but also a teacher to other inmates who are as determined to make all opportunity in jail as worthy as it can be.

She teaches dressmaking to her fellow inmates.

BJMP’s role outside bars

One of BJMP’s programs under the Inmates’ Welfare and Development is the after-care for inmates who have stepped out of its jails.

Lapu-Lapu City Jail warden Chief Insp. Corazon Noel encourages inmates to continue their studies even in detention and avail of the government’s free education program through the ALS.

“Our after care programs are directed to prepare our inmates for their eventual reintegration to their respective communities,” BJMP Chief, Jail Director Rosendo M. Dial said.

Dial stressed that this program is in response to President Benigno S. Aquino III’s bid for “programs that build capacities and create opportunities.”