Over the course of six weeks volunteer John Keall ran a workshop on creative writing for prisoners in Rata Unit at Waikeria Prison.

John has a rich background in education, including many years as a High School teacher in Waihi and as a teacher at Waikeria Prison.

The course was a first for Waikeria and John went into the first session with an open mind. He took each session as it came, using his skills to engage the men in related conversation and pushing them to expand their knowledge and mental ability. After the first session three students remained. Although disappointing at first, it soon became clear that those remaining were really keen to learn and explore this genre. They wrote some poetry and short stories.

The purpose of this course was to challenge the men and to give them something on which to focus, rather than giving into boredom. Overall the course was a real success and John is hoping to run a further course in July this year for a second group of students.

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