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23 June 2026
One of the greatest novels ever written, Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, follows a poor student who convinces himself he can commit murder for a “greater good.” Instead, he is consumed by guilt and paranoia and seeks redemption through confession and reflection.
That idea, that meaningful change begins with recognising and understanding one’s actions, sits at the heart of a revolutionary education program for women in NSW correctional centres.
A $542,050 grant from the Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Projects scheme will support the continued delivery of Moral Emotions Inside, a 12-week course combining philosophy and creative writing. Designed to encourage self-reflection and build practical skills, the program aims to strengthen pathways away from reoffending and into safer communities.
Dr Jedidiah Evans, a lecturer in English and Writing at the University of Sydney, has spent more than a decade running workshops in NSW prisons. Teaching poetry, philosophy and creative writing, his work demonstrates how education can help people understand their actions, express themselves more clearly, and build more positive futures.
“Our hope for incarcerated people is that they can make positive life changes and find opportunities, meaning and fulfilment, and this hope drives the program,” Dr Evans said.
“We need to listen to people in custody, work alongside them and support them, and we also know those involved in meaningful education programs have lower reoffending rates.”
The ARC-funded project is led by Dr Evans and brings together a team of University of Sydney researchers - Dr Sacha Jamieson, Associate Professor Samuel Shpall, Dr Marlee Bower and RMIT Associate Professor Marietta Martinovic - in partnership with Corrective Services NSW, including Deputy Commissioner Jennifer Galouzis, Commander Reintegration and Work Readiness Krista Konemann, and Commander Women’s Correctional Services Nicola Chappell.
Through Moral Emotions Inside, participants complete weekly readings, writing tasks and guided discussions. The course is designed to build skills in communication, critical thinking and problem-solving, while also encouraging participants to explore their own experiences and perspectives.
At the end of the program, each participant produces a final project, which may include poetry, personal essays or mixed-media work.
Nicola Chappell said the program aligns with broader efforts to improve outcomes for women in custody.
“Making our communities safer by encouraging women to reflect critically, build positive identities and strengthen empathy is a key priority for CSNSW,” Ms Chappell said.
“A central part of our strategy is developing a strong desistance model for women. Programs like the one led by Dr Evans support participants to become more self-aware and considerate of others, helping them develop positive social behaviours and move away from harmful offending.”
Like Dostoevsky’s protagonist, the path to change begins with reflection. When people are given the tools to understand their actions and express themselves, the potential for transformation grows.
Programs like Moral Emotions Inside highlight the role education, literacy and the arts can play - not only inside correctional centres, but in building safer, more connected communities beyond them.