NC inmates flex reading muscles
INMATES in the Northern Cape are hoping to “flex their muscles” when it comes to reading.
A total of 117 inmates from various correctional centres in the Northern Cape participated in the three-day Reading for Redemption regional competition, which concluded at the Tswelopele Correctional Centre in Kimberley yesterday.
The competition has various categories including a spelling bee, book reviews and debates.
The regional commissioner for the Free State and Northern Cape, Subashni Moodley, said the aim of the competition was to instil a love of literature and reading in offenders.
“Reading opens doors to opportunities. When you read, you unlock your mind and see more opportunities. This programme is aimed at encouraging offenders to read. A passion for reading will encourage offenders to enrol for their studies and that can lead to them getting opportunities where they can, in return, plough back into the community. It also assists in enhancing the self-esteem and confidence of offenders. The competition really helps in the moulding process of offenders and in their rehabilitation.”
Moodley said the winners would represent the region at the national competition.
“This competition also prepares offenders for the national competition in George in the Western Cape where they will compete against other offenders. We will have training camps for those who will be representing the region before the national competition to ensure they are prepared in every category,” she said.
Moodley added that the competition has grown over the years, with offenders showing greater interest.
“We only managed to get two medals at the first competition. During the second competition we managed to obtain 11 medals. During the third competition we were the overall winners in the isiXhosa category. This year will be the fourth competition and we are hoping to be the winners in many more categories,” said Moodley.
– Benida Phillips