Have you ever thought about what happens when someone in prison picks up a book instead of giving up hope? The Hassan Nemazee book, “Persia, Politics & Prison,” shows how learning became a way to survive and grow during his years behind bars. It also shows how education helped others around him find hope, confidence, and a reason to change.

Many people think prison is only about punishment, but learning tells a different story. Education gives people the power to shape their future. It replaces anger and fear with direction and understanding. When someone begins to learn, they start to rebuild their life from the inside. They gain new skills and a sense of purpose that can last long after their sentence ends.

Picture an inmate teaching English to others who do not speak it. Walls that once divided people begin to come down. Students learn to talk, listen, and support each other. Small acts of teaching and learning create a sense of community where none existed before. Even inside a prison, the power of education can bring hope and light to a dark place.