Jorge Sandoval is a remarkable man. While still a schoolboy in Chile in 1973 he was arrested, tortured, beaten and confined for a year in a concentration camp. After his release, he escaped Chile via Argentina finally arriving in New Zealand as a political refugee in 1976.

Despite having no English when he got here, Jorge has succeeded as a sportsman, cycling promoter, businessman and, since early 2007, a prison volunteer.

Now, together with Peter Bidwell, Jorge has published his story taking us from his formative years in the Chilean town of Tom? to his life in Wellington as a cycling promoter and respected businessman.

Jorge’s story is an inspiring one. His humility and determination to succeed shine through on every page. He tells of how his life experiences provided the impetus to make life better for those in prison and how this, in turn, led to becoming a volunteer at Rimutaka Prison.

Jorge’s account of his early prison volunteering experiences is captivating, and will strike a chord with many of you who have been in the same position. His first visit to Rimutaka was on a Friday afternoon. More than 50 prisoners were gathered together, having been told Jorge had come to talk to them.

Jorge takes up the story: “I was standing there introducing myself and feeling vulnerable. I spoke for almost an hour, telling them about my life, particularly about being tortured and incarcerated as a teenager.

"I seemed to find a common thread. I told them I was a volunteer and my intention was to help them prepare for life on the outside.

“They sat and listened. No one walked out.

“After all my misgivings I found the experience uplifting. I was on a high. Next morning I wanted to tell someone what had happened and I rang my father (in Chile). I couldn’t get some of the stuff out of my head after that first visit.

“As I got to know the prisoners better it was hard not to feel sad for them and compare their lives to my son Daniel and myself. A lot grew up in an environment where there’s been no love and affection. Then there are those who are institutionalised, who can’t cope away from the routine of prison life.

"I remember how difficult an adjustment it was for me when I was released, and I’d been inside for only 12 months. It is a vicious circle. Most of the prisoners don’t have any confidence and are embarrassed to ask questions in front of other prisoners. I’ve told them to use common sense. I’ve enjoyed making a contribution and I’ve become comfortable inside prison, so much so I’ve looked forward to the visits.”

Surviving Pinochet extracts reproduced by kind permission of Jorge Sandoval.

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