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National | Prison

TWOA to deliver literacy and numeracy progammes to prisons

Corrections Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has launched new programmes to improve the literacy and numeracy of prisoners.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and Methodist Mission Southern have been contracted by Corrections to deliver the intensive literacy and numeracy programmes in all Corrections-run prisons, giving priority to learners with the highest educational needs.

“Many prisoners have literacy and numeracy skills below the necessary level to benefit from trades training qualifications, employment activities and rehabilitative programmes in prison,” Lotu-Iiga says.

Te Kāea was the only media at the event and spoke to one prisoner who said she’s hoping this programme will help her understand the basics of mathematics, who said, “I'm hoping to get a bit of knowledge about maths like maths is a big thing out there when you get into a job.”

The agreement sees Te Wānanga o Aotearoa delivering face-to-face literacy and numeracy services to support prison learners who are struggling with reading, writing and numeracy.

Project Sponsor Tony Dowling said Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has been committed to assisting those whose needs have not been met by the mainstream education system.

“The demographics and service expectations of ILNS align directly with those targeted by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa hence this collaboration offers a natural fit that will deliver powerful, transformative education.”