To celebrate the first National Corrections Day, which was held on Friday, the Mail sat down with an encouraging teacher who works at Bunbury Regional Prison.
With a background in teaching, the education program at Bunbury Regional Prison was the perfect fit for Catherine Talbot who took on the role of manager three years ago.
“I love this job it would have to be the best one I’ve ever had,” she said.
“My role is to ensure we provide courses the guys are interested in, we make sure we are tailoring training to meet the needs and demands of the work force and giving them qualifications that practical.
“Some of these prisoners have failed in the education system previously, there are some that don’t even know how to read and write properly, so that really sets them up for failure.
“If we can rectify some of those issues it gives them a springboard to get out of prison and the opportunity to get employment, which will have a knock on effect to improve their lifestyle.”
Ms Talbot also introduced a book club to the South West facility last year after researching the benefits of fostering empathy and tolerance.
“We have six regular members in the book club who have said they love coming because it gives them a window into another world away from here, that they don’t have access to,” she said.
“It’s very satisfying to see the guys develop skills and also their self-confidence they’ve never had before.”
