www.firstnationstelegraph.com
Reducing recidivism through increased work opportunities
by Imran Naveed 15 November 2015
B
atchelor Institute is having a double celebration with the opening of a new training facility and a graduation ceremony all on the same day. Working in partnership with the Northern Territory’s Department of Correctional Services, we officially opened our training facility at Darwin’s Holtze Correctional Facility. The state-of-the-art facility features the latest information and communication technology, a top level library and first rate student tutorial rooms that allows Batchelor Institute to provide various training
Batchelor Institute Deputy CEO, Dorothy Morrison (right) and CEO, Robert Somerville AM (second right) with dignitaries. Image supplied
options to prisoners helping them gain skills that will assist them in finding employment once released. These courses include Construction, Indigenous Environmental Health, Visual Arts and Access to Vocational Pathways. Batchelor Institute CEO, Robert Somerville AM, said that providing prisoners with these training opportunities will help reduce recidivism through increased work opportunities as well as building self-esteem amongst participants. “It is very pleasing to see so many people making use of the training on offer through this
partnership and it is with great pleasure that today we congratulate over 30 graduates”, Mr Somerville said. “We hope today’s graduates can use the skills they’ve earned to benefit the wider community and give something back to society. “We believe that education and training is key to breaking the cycle of offending which is why Batchelor Institute is committed to this approach and looks forward to building on our partnership with Correctional Services and the Northern Territory Government”, Mr Somerville said.
Page 1