October 20, 2015
Wananga takes reading lessons in prison
Te Wananga o Aotearoa is to deliver new intensive literacy and numeracy programmes in all Corrections-run prisons except Otago, where the work will be done by Methodist Mission Southern.
Corrections Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says priority will be given to learners with the highest educational needs, with up to 1300 prisoners a year each getting 100 hours of tuition.
He says many prisoners can't read or count well enough to benefit from trades training and other rehabilitative programmes.
He says participation in education and employment can significantly reduce the risk of reoffending.
The wananga has been delivering te reo Maori courses at five Te Tirohanga Maori focus units since April.
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