25 June 2010
Volunteers across New Zealand’s twenty prisons are being celebrated this week for their generosity toward prisoners - a large group that many people have given up on.
While most New Zealander’s abide by the law to avoid prison, around 3000 registered volunteers of all ages and backgrounds willingly spent time behind bars, mentoring prisoners in constructive activities such as basic reading and writing, arts and crafts, music and life-skills like parenting, budgeting and cooking.
Volunteers also provide religious and spiritual mentoring for prisoners.
Fautua Pasefika and Kaiwhakamana provide cultural guidance for M?ori and Pacific prisoners. Research has shown that interventions and support targeted at cultural identity are successful in reducing reoffending.
“There are many benefits in providing a wide variety of constructive activities for prisoners. These activities can often motivate them, or give them confidence to engage with rehabilitation programmes that address the cause of their offending, leading to a lesser chance of reoffending on their release,” says Assistant General Manager Dr Brendan Anstiss.
“Volunteers also teach prisoners new skills that are important in remaining crime free outside of prison. These skills help prisoners reintegrate into their communities, which can be very difficult especially after a long prison sentence. Almost all prisoners will be released one day, and volunteers help to prepare them for that day.”
“Many prisoners have had no one to teach them the things that most of us take for granted. Some need to be shown how to fill in a bank account or Work and Income form, budget for a family, or cook basic meals, and it is those skills that really make a difference in a person’s life.”
One such volunteer, at Auckland Regional Women’s Corrections Facility, is Tracey McIntosh. Head of Sociology at the University of Auckland, Tracey gives up two hours every week to help a small group of under 19-year-old prisoners with their Correspondence School work. She’s spent time living in France, Burundi, Fiji and Tonga and is keen to pass on her love of learning to the women and show them a path their lives could follow.
“I find it hard to say no to opportunities and I tell my students that although very few of us are ever ready for the next step, most of us rise to the occasion when it presents and bring something valuable to it.”
“Prison volunteers are generous with their time and energy and we want to acknowledge that this week. Many have careers, families and busy lives of their own, yet they still find the time and motivation to come into prison and support our work,” says Dr Anstiss.
“In all aspects of our work we know we can’t succeed without community involvement. Volunteering is a key part of that involvement, and I want to sincerely thank all of our volunteers for the part they play in reducing reoffending, and enhancing community safety.”
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