The following article was originally posted on the Cook Islands News website by Ben Chapman-Smith. View the story here.
NZ High Commission helps Raro Prison school
Inmates at Rarotonga’s prison have been given $7,000 worth of new books and learning resources to help them prepare for a positive future back in the community.
New Zealand High Commissioner Joanna Kempkers handed over the resources yesterday morning during an upbeat ceremony at the prison’s rehabilitation centre, Tango Akarangatira.
Kempers said the last time she visited was for the centre’s opening at the end of 2012.
“When I came out here a little over a year ago, it was to witness the opening of this building that had been rehabilitated by the men. It still looks great and has held up well which is testament to the love and energy the boys put into the building.”
She said yesterday’s ceremony was all about adding more resources to the building for the ultimate purpose of enabling students to equip themselves for their return to the community.
The $7,000 grant for new resources, books and chairs came out of Kempkers’s Head of Mission Fund, a $75,000 pot of money used to help projects in the community.
“We try to target projects in the $2,000 to $5,000 range and it’s largely for community groups, where a small amount of money can make a big difference.”
Tango Akarangatira is run by teacher Sarah Tonorio and tutors Sister Patty and Sister Margaret, and opens on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
One student, who cannot be named, said having the chance to attend school in prison is more than just a way of passing the time.
“If you take it full on you’ll gain a lot more than what you come in here with.”
He said even though he is already well-educated, the school has provided a “refresher” for him.
“For others here, they didn’t get the opportunities during their school days. So, it’s a good thing for them because it’s teaching them new things.”
He said the prison school has allowed him to go on and study carpentry through the Trade Training Centre.
“I never had time to do that while I was out but, in here, you sit back and realize you’ve got a chance to further your opportunities. We’ve got nothing but time,” he joked.
Sister Patty said the High Commissioner’s Office has been instrumental in helping education services across the island, as well as in prison.
“We were really encouraged by the High Commissioner’s Office to apply for this grant.”
She said the school’s purpose is to help the students become men and leaders who can one day contribute to the Cook Islands society.
“What we need are more tutors, mentors for when the men get out of prison, and people who can do counseling,” she added.
Kempkers said the next time she returns to the school, she wants to see the resources have been used.
“I want to see that there’s writing in the exercise books and that the boys have access to the resources and can really benefit from them.”
Teacher Sarah Tonorio assured her the books will be used, and used well.
“I believe this is the beginning of a great new chapter for me and the Sisters here.”