The Department of Justice has announced that 14 prisoners have graduated from the Aboriginal Languages in Custody program at Hakea prison.
During the six-week course the men learnt basic words and phrases in Noongar, the official language of Aboriginal people from the south-west of Western Australia.
The program was delivered in partnership with the Department of Justice, Corrective Services and the Noongar Boodjar Language Cultural Aboriginal Corporation.
Director General of the Department, Adam Tomison said learning conversational phrases and basic words would play a role in helping the men form important connections with their heritage.
“Language and the ability to communicate is what connects us to culture, and we know that most Indigenous people identify strongly with a traditional language,” Dr Tomison said.
“We are hopeful that by participating in this course, these men are able to form an important connection to their culture, as well as working towards an increased sense of pride and self-worth.”
Acting Commissioner of Corrective Services, Mike Reynolds said he had already received positive feedback about the impact of the course.
“I’ve spoken with the language teacher at Hakea and she’s told me that over the six weeks she has seen a host of changes in these men,” A/Commissioner Reynolds said.
“They have become more engaged and enthusiastic about learning, and were proudly sharing what they had learnt with their families.”
The Department of Justice, Corrective Services currently provides 15 hours a week of Noongar language classes at Bandyup Women’s Prison, Casuarina Prison and Wooroloo Prison Farm.
The Noongar Boodjar Language program has also been run at the Boronia Pre-Release Centre for Women.
