12 November
Last week the gardening efforts of prisoners from Waikeria Prison paid off with them taking five prizes including three trophies at the Te Awamutu Rose Show run by the local rose society.
The four prisoners involved in the project took prizes for 1st Novice Class 1 small stem rose, 1st Novice Class 1 exhibition bloom, 1st Novice Class 1 fully open bloom, 3rd equal Open 1 vase blooms and 3rd Novice Class Decorative rose.
“This is the first time we have entered the competition in 14 years and we are very proud of the outcome. It is a great result, especially considering these prisoners had little or no previous gardening experience. The prisoners should be proud of their efforts and this result has no doubt given them further positive encouragement which is important in their rehabilitation,” says Prison Manager Paul O’Byrne.
“Having projects like this gets prisoners involved in something positive and gives them a sense of pride for what they can achieve. Having a win like this made their efforts even more worth the dedication they put into growing these prize winning roses. I have no doubt that the result has also given the prisoners the motivation to look towards entering next year's competition. The Rose Society have already invited us to exhibit at other competitions around the district.
"Waikeria Prison has a number of horticulture and farming activities available for some prisoners to get involved in, some even contribute to towards gaining NZQA qualifications. Every week the Prison regularly contributes to the local community by donating garden produce when available to Te Whakaruruhau Women’s Refuge, the Salvation Army Food Bank, RSA and to several rest homes through their prisoner gardening initiatives.
“The fact that worthy groups are receiving the produce is also having a positive effect on the prisoners. It gives them the opportunity to do something meaningful for other people during their time in prison and give back to the community."
The majority of prisoners have limited education and work experience. The last prison census in 2003 identified that 52 percent of prisoners had no formal qualifications and only 45 percent were in paid work before going to prison. Providing employment and employment-related training is therefore an important part of the reintegration of prisoners into the community.
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