Graduation caps journey to reduce gang harm
Mongrel Mob member credits tutors for not judging him after gaining qualification
By his own admittance, he was trouble — but I really do believe he’s found himself. Tutor Pirini Edwards of Karl Goldsbury
Walking across the stage in a graduation gown was the last thing Mongrel Mob member Karl Goldsbury thought he would ever do.
But he did it. Goldsbury received his 38-week Manaaki Ta¯ngata: Certificate in Bicultural Social Services from Te Wa¯nanga o Aotearoa on Friday.
The course is an introductory qualification to teach students how to understand diverse communities and work in wha¯nau-centred social services.
The course provided skills to strengthen his fulltime work at Te¯ Tuinga Wha¯nau Support Services, where he and fellow gang member “Baldy” work to reduce gang harm.
They work alongside police gang harm reduction co-ordinator Damien White, who told the Bay of Plenty Times last week that police understood that “not every gang member is a criminal”.
Goldsbury said the course had also taught him to be humble and resilient.
And he gave all the credit to his tutors, Pirini Edwards and Lisa Wilson, and his wife, Jess.
His wife’s support and help, particularly with using technology, was a big part of his success.
“Without her, I wouldn’t have been able to complete it.
“You’re judged all the time when you’re a gang member . . . it’s tough when you’re trying to do better, someone always just wants to put you down.”
But not Edwards and Wilson, he said.
Edwards took him in and made no judgments on his past.
From this leadership, Goldsbury said he learned how to manaaki (care for) others, awhi (surround) others, tautoko (support) others, and how to be a good role model.
“It’s about walking your kaupapa, really, and not just talking s*** . . . your words and actions have to align.”
Edwards said Goldsbury was a leading light for the kaupapa, which he started with the intention to look after incarcerated men as he had also walked those shoes, and no one would give them a chance.
“He is a leading light for people that have been there,” Edwards said of Goldsbury.
“By his own admittance, he was trouble — but I really do believe he’s found himself.”
Drugs, firearms, and violence saw Goldsbury put behind bars three times for a total of nearly 20 years of his life.
It’s been two years since he left jail — his longest stint of freedom since becoming an adult — and now he’s trying to make a difference by reducing gang harm from the inside out.
He hoped to get more members to study, especially those coming out of prison as it was important to get straight into something and put attention towards something positive.