29 September
Northland Region Corrections Facility (NRCF) prisoners are doing their bit to give back to the Whangarei community from behind prison walls.
Last week Habitat for Humanity approached NRCF to see if the prisoners working in the carpentry workshop could assist with an urgent job: building the framework for a three bedroom house.
The prisoners in the carpentry workshop began work immediately, using materials that were generously donated by a local member of the community.
To get the job done on time the prisoners worked in groups with carpentry tutors from the local Northtec Polytechnic to construct the frames which needed to be measured, re-sized and cut to scale in order to construct the skeleton foundations for the house.
Northern Polytech Carpentry Instructor Shane Walden says the prisoners were excited about taking on this short-notice job.
“We were asked to help on Tuesday and the framework for this project needed to be completed by the Thursday, so it was all hands on deck here in the workshop. These guys know they’re capable of projects like this and are always enthusiastic to work together to complete the job professionally and on time.”
Once the prisoners finished constructing the framing it was given to the northern branch of Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organisation that works to build houses for New Zealand families in areas where there is a shortage of state or low income housing.
Habitat for Humanity North Island Co-ordinator David Rayburn says he has been thrilled with the hard work the prisoners have put in.
“I’m really grateful for the work they’re doing. They’ve done a top quality job on past projects, and it’s great to be able to give them a larger scale project which will increase their skills in the trade.”
The 18 prisoners currently training in the workshop have gained carpentry experience by building features such as stairs and new outdoor decks for Habitat for Humanity in the past.
Corrections Inmate Employment instructor Gary O’Neill says this job has been a great opportunity for the prisoners to further their practical training.
“This project really gives the prisoners the chance to put their elementary construction skills to use by working together in teams to get the job done. It was also a great opportunity for them to further their education by giving something back to the community.”
Three of the men that are currently participating in this project are currently undertaking theory based training in the workshop, and have taken on foreman type roles, which contribute towards NZQA National Certificates.
The carpentry training at NRCF is just one of the 140 business-like industries situated in prisons across the country that aim to provide work environments that match, as much as possible, a comparable industry environment outside of prison.
Research indicates that prisoners who find sustainable work on release are less likely to re-offend, resulting in safer communities.
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