18 January
A prisoner in Waikeria Prison’s Youth Unit has been awarded a Regional Merit Award from the Correspondence School for his outstanding effort in completing mathematics credits.
“This is the first time a youth unit prisoner at Waikeria has received a merit award and we are very proud of the dedication he has shown in gaining NCEA qualifications,” says Waikeria South Prison Manager, Kevin Smith.
“Once released, the prisoner will now have some valuable skills that he will be able to put into practice. All too often the majority of youth prisoners that come into our custody have little or no education. It has been fantastic to watch this prisoner increase his skills and really develop a passion for learning.”
“I really enjoy learning new things and I have learnt so much since being in the Unit. It is a privilege to have this opportunity and I have developed a real interest for maths,” said the prisoner.
“The prisoner is now working towards gaining NCEA Level 2 Mathematics, Level 1 English and Physical and Health Education qualifications. The prisoner has indicated he would like to become a sportsman or sports instructor. I have no doubt these aspirations have come about due to the skills and confidence he has developed while in the unit,” said Mr Smith.
“Last year we had around 24 youth unit prisoners gaining NCEA qualifications which was a positive result. However, one of the biggest challenges we have is to encourage youth prisoners undertaking education not to give up. Our staff spend a lot of time supporting them and teaching them they are worth putting that effort in."
“We have an opportunity and a responsibility to positively influence youth prisoners and to give them knowledge and skills that will place them in a more positive position once they are released.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Prisoners undertaking Correspondence School qualifications do not have access to the internet. Waikeria Youth Unit can hold 35 prisoners at a time. Prisoners under the age of 16 are required to undertake education while in the unit.
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