Prisoners build cubby houses for hospices
TAFE Queensland South West has raised $1800 for the Toowoomba and Ipswich Hospices after auctioning off two cubby houses donated by Borallon Training and Correctional Centre.
The cubby houses were built and painted by prisoners involved in the vocational training programs offered at the prison in partnership with the TAFE.
The construction forms part of the practical component of the courses offered at the prison which gives prisoners the chance to obtain a Certificate I in Construction.
Borallon Training and Correctional Centre general manager Peter Henderson said building the cubby houses to donate gave prisoners the opportunity to give something back to the community while also learning key skills.
“Prisoners involved in the course learn vital life and vocational skills to assist with getting a job upon release, which helps reduce the chances of reoffending and contributes to a safer community,” Mr Henderson said.
“The course, one of many on offer to prisoners at the prison, helps them use their time productively, while also contributing to a safer prison environment.”
He said prisoners felt a sense of pride from seeing the result of their hard work and knowing the houses were going towards a good cause.
“It’s not just the prisoners that benefit from the two houses, but the money raised will help care for those in need at the hospices,” Mr Henderson said.
The cubby houses donated to the hospices make a total of five cubby houses that have been donated to schools and organisations this year.