In a down-to-earth and straight-talking effort to teach students about the nitty-gritty of prison life and why it’s crucial to stay on the right track, Cockburn John Charles Academy recently hosted the seriously impactful ‘Prison Me? No Way!’ event.
This idea-packed event gave students a real chance to chat with prison officers, ex-cons, and advisors, aiming to give them some solid life advice and steer them clear of trouble.
The event, which took place at the academy’s premises, witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across various age groups. Through interactive workshops, role-playing exercises, and candid discussions, participants gained valuable insights into the consequences of criminal behaviour and the challenges faced by individuals within the prison system.
One of the highlights of the event was the chance for students to engage in open dialogues with prison guards and ex-convicts.
It helped them see behind the bars, break down stereotypes, and understand what it’s like for people who’ve been inside. They even got the chance to step inside a real prison cell, feeling the cramped space and seeing things from a different perspective.
Mr Gardener, who organised the event, expressed his satisfaction, saying,
“This event was about opening eyes and minds. By bringing the reality of prison life closer to our students, we hope to empower them to make positive choices. Stepping inside a real cell can be a wake-up call for anyone.”
During the day, students got to think about how their actions can have a knock-on effect and what they can do to turn things around. Workshops covered topics such as conflict resolution, peer pressure, and the importance of education and employability skills in shaping successful lives outside of the criminal justice system.
Head of School, Mrs Roberts said:
“It’s important for young people to get a handle on the consequences of their choices. Events like ‘Prison Me? No Way!’ help them think twice about what they’re doing and make smart decisions that’ll help them and their communities.”
The “Prison Me? No Way!” event at Cockburn John Charles Academy stands as a testament to the power of education and community engagement in shaping the futures of young people.
By providing students with the tools and knowledge to make informed choices, the academy is equipping them with the resilience and skills needed to navigate life’s challenges and contribute positively to society.
This post is based on a press release issued by Cockburn John Charles Academy
While you’re here, can we ask a favour?
South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise. We keep our costs as low as possible but we’ve been hit by increases in the print costs for our monthly newspaper which have doubled in the last two years.
Could you help support local community news by making a one off donation, or even better taking out a supporters subscription?
Donate here, or sign up for a subscription at bit.ly/SLLsubscribe
