The Sisters of Mercy work in Goroka and Mt Hagen and AMS is working with Mercy Works through our partnership with Lenity Australia.
At Bihute Prison in Goroka there are 400 males, 35 females and 13 Juveniles. Sisters of Mercy are working with inmates to help educate and upskill offenders. Currently, 75 male prisoners attend literacy classes, 2 inmates (a trained teacher and a University student) also tutor 49 other inmates in literacy. Inmates are also introduced to the UN Sustainable Development goals as well as other development goals outlined in the Governments five-year plan. Lastly, the inmates were offered the opportunity to attend 1 of 3 workshops on establishing and running a small to medium business.
The business workshops have been particularly popular with female prisoners. More than 30 young women eager to learn new skills have participated in the program so that they will be able to earn an income when they are released back to their communities.
John (left in picture) is a shining example of what can be possible through skills training in prison. John attended Mercy Works skills training while in prison and on his release, he has become part of the Mercy Works training team and uses his many skills to train others. He cooks, bakes, constructs drum ovens, and is handy with all things related to home maintenance.
This kind of example encourages income earning activities on the part of other young men. Other people in the community are benefiting from the skills taught initially within Bihute Prison. We value our partnership with Lenity Australia and Mercy works, knowing that these projects are bringing real change to the lives of people most often forgotten.