In 2008 we developed an concept to take ex-offenders into schools to teach kids that a life of crime just isn’t worth it, and leads to living a life of exclusion and discrimination.
From these honest accounts of what it is really like living that sort of life the kids gain knowledge from real experiences, and learn that the decisions they make now can seriously affect their whole lives.
The pilot scheme was launched at St Wilfred RC comprehensive school in South Shields, and evaluation questionaires showed that it is important for students to learn about this part of life and that they enjoy it. One thing we have learned is that school doesn’t teach us how to make quality decision and as Dave often tells the children “make good decisions and be careful who you hang around with.”
You can read the full story Here…
The project has since took on a life of it’s own and has taken on its own name and unique identity and is continuing to grow. In 2009 one of the team Dave Carr won the Pride of Wearside award for contributions made by the group. So far the project has delivered to over 2000 children and the demand is growing.
The project involves touring schools in the North East of England with a small group of ex-offenders who discuss their experiences with the students and the social and economic difficulties that are brought about by having a criminal record and getting involved in drugs, alcohol and other offences.
This program is specially designed to help the students make the right decisions when it comes to making the choices brought about by peer pressure at this age.
The Giving back website can be found at www.giving-back.org.uk.
Testimonials include:
“An interesting insight into someones life. Good for the pupils to see and hear about a very different life to the usual that they hear about in school. Involved the pupils and got them thinking about stereotypes.” T
“Real life experience of life in prisons was great and how choices really make a difference” T
“It really made me think, I found it interesting learning about what happens after jail and hearing it from someone who has experienced it” CD
“I liked the stereotyping game, it was very interesting. I liked finding out about prison and being told the truth about it.” SR
“I liked the stereotyping game the best. I liked learning about prison and drugs from someone who had first hand experience of it, I thought this was more interesting than learning it from someone who hadn’t experienced it” LB
“I liked the bit where we did the stereotyping, I liked being told what prison was really like and how people got into crime.” MM
If you would like us to visit your school please contact us using the form Here..
