Inside the jail in Cebu City, hundreds of Philippine boys stand naked, arms hugging their chests, shivering in the rain. Despite the cold the boys are happy - rain gives them an opportunity to wash; baths being reserved for adult prisoners alone. While detaining children in adult jails is against the law in the Philippines, local authorities get round regulations by holding juveniles in separate cells. The token segregation has little effect however as cell doors are left open at night, leaving young prisoners exposed to the threat of rape. For child defence lawyer Esperanza Valenzona what is more scandalous is that prison offers children no possibility of rehabilitation; it's a "University of Crime" in which boys take lessons from hardened adult criminals. The literacy program she founded in the prison 20 years ago attempts to offer young prisoners some alternative lessons and the possibility of a way out of a criminal life. But is it enough to help any of the children break free from the cycle of neglect, crime and punishment?

Produced by ABC Australia