January 26, 2018
Prisoners build towards future
MICHAEL RONGO ACTING PRISON DIRECTOR OF NORTHLAND REGION CORRECTIONS FACILITY
Seven inmates at the Northland regional prison at Ngawha have today graduated with certificates in construction trade skills and painting.
Michael Rongo, Acting Prison Director of Northland Region Corrections Facility says inmates have been able to work on building project for Habit for Humanity and for marae, as well as in the prison workshops.
Employers in the region are also prepared to take prisoners on release to work programmes, and to hire former inmates with the right qualifications.
"It’s really important to get a job on release, so we do as we do in corrections, try to prepare these men for a smooth transition back into society," Mr Rongo says.
Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis congratulated prisoners who have completed trades training and urged them to make sure they put their new skills to good use once they’re outside the wire.
He also presented long service awards to nine corrections officers, saying he was grateful for the work they did to help prisoners turn their lives around.
Copyright © 2018, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com