They say crime doesn’t pay, but a new Brimbank program shows it could be used to help educate the next generation.
As part of Books for a Brighter Future, pupils at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in St Albans have received hand-crafted books written by offenders on community-based orders.
The program, which promotes important messages to young migrants about understanding and following local laws, was named ‘best initiative’ at this year’s Corrections Victoria community work partnership awards.
One offender, who had completed his community work hours but attended a graduation ceremony on his own accord, said: “I enjoyed coming each week to work on the project.”
Another said: ‘‘I was able to learn a skill and give back to a community I can relate to.”
As part of the project — a joint initiative of West Metropolitan Regional Community Work Program, Brimbank council, Jesuit Social Services, Migrant Resource Centre North West, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and Dame Phyllis Frost Centre — offenders received a nationally accredited certificate of general education.
Not-for-profit groups interested in forming a community work partnership should contact Corrections Victoria.
