For a while, I taught literacy to the unemployed (sent along by the Jobcentre) at a college. Many had been 'inside' and had various difficulties. Some were very damaged individuals, with little chance of ever getting a job - and they knew it.
I said that we'll cover the syllabus, some will find it useful, others, well, we'll play the game, follow the rules and they'll get their JSA.
I remember one saying 'It's alright, Miss, I won't kick off!' when I reminded them that they could just leave the classroom if they ever felt uncomfortable. They were all very wary of one particular individual. I'd been warned never to be alone with him!
I had two (official) 'successes', people who continued in education. We had fun, lots of laughs and jokes. The whole thing was a bit of a joke, really, a prime example of 'too little, too late'!