Brief History of SET

Kevin Wallen Commissioner of Corrections, Major Richard Reese

SET (Students Expressing Truth) Group started in early 1999, founded by two inmates at South Camp, and supported by Kevin Wallen, part owner of a computer store in Kingston. Wallen arranged and held a meeting with the general population in the institution’s Chapel, resulting in the organization of a formal group. In its infant stages, the SET group hoped to study as well as teach other. Their main focus was the building of each other’s confidence with the hope that they might change the culture of the prison. Kevin began talks with the inmates twice each week. They were encouraged to read and communicate openly. Realizing that the inmates were eager for more opportunities, Kevin donated one computer to the prison. Shortly after, the group was given the clearance to refurbish the prison’s library, which then became SET’s meeting place.

In its initial stages each member was allowed an hour each day on the computer. However, the reaction was so great that an initiative was taken to add another five computers. SET members became very competent with a number of applications. It was decided to create classes in various subject areas. Mathematics, English, History, Sociology, Science, among others are now a part of the groups’ development. In the beginning, it was difficult to get teachers in to teach the men. However, Wallen soon found that it was best to teach the inmates how to teach themselves. With the help of interactive multimedia learning CD’s and the fact that there are some extremely intelligent people behind bars, SET progressed. At present the group boasts approximately fifty members at South Camp and 45 members at Fort Augusta (the women’s prison). SET has recently built a Lab at Tower Street General Penitentiary. This Prison houses over 1700 inmates in dire need of the various opportunities that SET offers. This lab was opened in February 2005.

SET classes are open to all inmates. On any given week there can be an upwards of 75-80 persons participating. The group gets involved with a variety of projects with the aim of motivating and including the entire prison population. Specialty courses such as Landscaping, Sound and Video Editing are also offered at the SET Lab. The intention is not only to teach the members of the groups but the entire prison population.

Currently SET has a Welfare Program to assist inmates who are in need. SET also organizes beautification projects, sports day festivities, leadership workshops, a spelling “B” competition, a quiz competition.

SET has a most important spiritual element. Each Sunday at 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. a meeting is held. These meetings are used as opportunity for discussions on a variety of subjects. However, the one thing that always seem to come out of meetings is the fact that as individuals we are all first responsible for our selves and then for each other. Group members are encouraged to spend a great deal of time looking at themselves from a holistic point of view. We often remind each other that man’s greatest struggles begin on the inside and not out, therefore, one needs seek the truth of himself, and not only speak it but express it as well.

A new Commissioner, Major Richard Reese has now undertaken to support and extend the SET program. Like Prescod, a military man and a believer in inmate rehabilitation, but unlike Prescod, a man of great management skill and political sensitivity. Spurred by a crisis caused by an escape attempt that resulted in the killing of a guard, Major Reese resolved to vitalize the SET program and expand it to include staff as well as inmates.