A new pilot project focused on empowering young, soon to be released detainees from Banksia Hill has seen its first cohort of graduates receive their certificates.
The program is a well-planned collaboration between the Waalitj Foundation, Banksia Hill Detention Centre and Training Alliance Group.
The aim of the project is designed to help prepare former detainees for life outside of prison by giving them life skills and improving their prospects for employment in the mining and civil constructions industries upon release.
The Cert II program, delivered from 29 April to 2 July 2024, saw four participants graduate with a training certificate that will enable them to secure meaningful employment after they leave the Centre.
The qualification included 16-units, including obtaining and excavator ticket and completed working at heights, working in confined spaces, and gas testing components.
It is the first formal educational qualification obtained by several of the participants.
“It’s something new – something I’ve never done before. And I can use it when I get out, if I want to get a job in the civil construction side of things,” one recent graduate said.
Graduates also put their skills into action and used the learning opportunity to renovate the social visits area and are now able to show off the work they have completed to visiting family members.
“It’s good to know the centre’s getting something out of it. Instead of us just moving dirt around, we’re going to see a finished product,” one graduate said.
Waalitj Foundation also plans to continue to work with participants after their release through the Bunuru community youth justice program, where they can continue to access mentoring and work experience with the aim of connecting them to employment opportunities that put their new skills and qualifications into practice.
“To be on journey with someone who’s trying to do something better for themselves is a real privilege. It’s why we do the job,” Waalitj Foundation’s Chris Burns said.
Graduation certificates were handed to the detainees and local MLAs Terry Healy and Yaz Mubarakai, Training Alliance Group’s COO Jegath Jisangar, Department of Justice Deputy Commissioner Christine Ginbey, and Waalitj Foundation’s Ben Webb General Manager, Justice Programs at Banksia Hill were on hand to congratulate the detainees.
“By completing this course these young people not only set themselves up for the future but can potentially help their families along the way,” Training Alliance Group Director Bala Suppiah said.
“This group of program delivery partners has helped open the door for programs like this one to help and assist other young people at Banksia Hill Detention Centre to reach their potential. I cannot wait to see what the next group can accomplish.”
There are also plans to offer the pilot program to female participants.
