Despite the challenges associated with covid-19, human rights group, Stand Up for Jamaica is reporting that some 75% of the inmates who sat this year’s Caribbean Secondary Certificate Examinations (CSEC) obtained passes in at least one subject.

A total of 85 inmates from the Tower Street, St. Catherine, and Fort Augusta correctional facilities sat the exams.

The Stand Up for Jamaica group says at the Tower Street facility, 15 of the 19, or 79% of the inmates who sat the exams, passed at least one subject.

At the St. Catherine facility, 21 of 31, or 68% of the inmates passed at least one subject.

While at Fort Augusta, 28 of the 35 inmates passed at least one subject.

Inmates were able to choose from an expanded offering of 13 subjects, including English Language, Mathematics, Principles of Business, Social Studies, Office Administration, Economics, and Food and Nutrition.

The human rights group says it is particularly proud of the results due to the challenges experienced due to covid-19, and the decision from the corrections department not to allow anyone to enter the institutions to avoid the spread of the virus.

It notes that special efforts were made to provide computer laboratories within the correctional facilities with the equipment to provide online classes.

Webcams, additional computers, improved internet connection and zoom ids for both teachers and officers made it possible for lessons to continue despite the pandemic.