Seven prisoners at Arohata Women’s Prison have drawn and painted their way to a Learning Connexion Diploma in Art and Creativity. The university level, NZQA-approved course, was such a success that now another eight prisoners are completing the diploma.
“Doing the course has had a profound effect on the women’s behaviour,” says Site Manager Janet Castell.
“The group meet with their tutor for a few hours once a week but we’ve never had any incidents - and the group includes women with different gang affiliations too.”
J
anet says the course gives the women a focus and they forget about personal issues and just concentrate on their art.
“This positive change has rubbed off into all other areas of their life and while their behaviour’s still not perfect, it’s better.”
One participant says the course has changed her outlook.
“I will succeed and graduate for I am learning new skills that will help me when I am released,” she says.
One strength of the course is that it can be done anywhere in the country. This means that when a prisoner is transferred, she can carry on working towards her diploma. Prisoners who are released will also be able to continue their studies.
The course is delivered through notes, video, phone calls and tutor visits and was adapted for the prison environment by Learning Connexion tutor Anita Weber.
“The positive results emerging from the course are awesome,” she says.
The Learning Connexion philosophy of helping people without incomes or with special needs means that the prisoners all received Learning Connexion scholarships to do the diploma.
“Being a student with The Learning Connexion is the most therapeutic event I have embraced within myself since being incarcerated. The course gave me a feeling of peace, which centred my soul in a positive way, which in turn has opened up other avenues for me.”
“My choice was graffiti-style art - it wasn’t just a choice for me; it was a passion. It was really good knowing that if we were stuck, we were able to jump on the pay phone and ring our tutor for help. My tutor not only helped me to be creative but she was also an inspiration for me.”
Got a story for Corrections News or want to request the print edition?
Email commdesk@corrections.govt.nz or phone (04) 460 3365.
ISSN 1178-8453