Since the Kolbe Foundation took over the Hattieville prison in 2002 and renamed it the Belize Central Prison the changes have been more than just in the name. There is a new mess hall, a boot camp for young offenders, increased security with the Santa Marta sharp shooters and extra perimeter fence, and new visitor's center among others. Added to that list today was the Rotary Learning Center.
Keith Swift Reporting,
The new Rotary Learning Center at the Belize Central Prison does stand out; It's got a fresh coat of yellow and green paint alongside the bland white on the other buildings. But more than just the recipient of a sharp paint job, this building is like an oasis in the grim desert of modern penal reform - a contrast enhanced by the fact that it sits on top of a cellblock packed with rowdy illegal immigrants.
John Woods, Kolbe Foundation
"The learning center is just one step forward in the rehab program that we have going on."
And inside the center that is a giant step. There is a computer lab, radio studio, computer repair room, conference room, and three classrooms. The Kolbe Foundation's john woods says the Learning Center is an integral part of prisoner rehabilitation and reform.
John Woods,
"The learning center has got counseling rooms in it. It has got a P.A. system that we run like a radio station. It's got the video room where we will transmit videos to TVs throughout the prison for learning. They will be watching Travel Channel, Learning Channel, and then they will be watching selected tapes on drug abuse and how to handle those things. And then we will have three formal classrooms in there and two computer rooms; one where they learn to the work the computers and other one where they will learn to repair them. So these are definitely required job skills and we hope that when they get out they will be in demand."
"We are trying to turn this place into a place of healing and hope rather than despair and punishment like it was before. These are our brothers. We have to treat them with respect and we have to help them turn their life around and that's the big thing. Turn it around and get with it so that when they come back out they can be productive members of society."
And for proof you only need to visit the center and enter the computer lab and where you will meet inmates like Miguel Urbina Jr. who is serving time for aggravated robbery. He has been in jail for almost three years. This afternoon instead of sitting in his cell he was in the computer lab working on his latest piece of literature.
Miguel Urbina Jr., Prison Inmate
"It is one of the most beautiful things that could have happened to this foundation here in prison that we can have the privilege to learn and be able to defend ourselves when we go out into society knowing that the society is computerized. We will be able to help ourselves and our families also."
Q: _You knew computers before coming to prison?
Miguel Urbina Jr.,
"No Sir. I am just learning about it now."
Q: When you came to jail did you ever think its where you would learn about computers?
Miguel Urbina Jr., Prison Inmate
"I didn't even think that behind bars I would become free within myself."
And if you think violent offenders like Miguel shouldn't have the leisure of sitting in an air-conditioned computer lab, well Kolbe differs.
John Woods, Kolbe Foundation
"They are separated from their families and their loved ones and from their way of life. They are in here and they were just thrown away before. We want to treat these people with respect so that they can turn their life around. If you treat someone like garbage, they are going to end up being garbage. Or you can treat them like your brother and you love them which is the whole philosophy of Kolbe, Rotary, and the churches. We are all in this boat together and what affects you affect me. We are helping these people turn around so that when they get they can live a decent life."
A real ideal and one that only time will be the judge of and this is a fitting testing ground because at Hattieville time is what they serve
The building was built with funds from the Rotary Club and support from government. Currently 75 students are enrolled in the computer course.
And today while at the Central Prison we couldn't help but notice the uniformed presence of inmates. And if you are wondering the designer jean pants and shirts are part of $600,000 shipment of counterfeit merchandise which was seized at the Customs Department. From the looks of things, the clothes went to good use.
7NEWS produced for broadcast by News Director Jules Vasquez
Edited for the internet by Keith Swift