As New Zealand prepares to launch its Oranga Tamariki-run pilot for young offenders at the end of this month, a clearer picture of the daily routine within the military-style academies has emerged.
The programme designed to rehabilitate serious young offenders aged 15-18 years involves a rigorous schedule aimed at fostering discipline, education,and personal growth, news website RNZ has reported.
According to a report on the website, here’s what the daily schedule for young offenders will look like:
6:30am - The day begins early with a wake-up call, followed by a structured morning routine. This initial period is designed to instill discipline and prepare the teens for the day ahead.
7:30am - Breakfast is served
8:15am - Education and classroom sessions commence, focusing on academic learning and employment pathways. These sessions are divided into two periods, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.
9:45am - A morning tea break offers a short respite before the physical activities begin.
10:00am - Physical activity and drills dominate the next two periods, emphasising fitness and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
11:30am - Lunchtime.
12:30pm - The afternoon begins with periods dedicated to cultural connection and whānau (family) engagement. This segment, known as "Whakapapa", is crucial for maintaining cultural ties and fostering a sense of identity and belonging.
2:30pm - Afternoon tea break.
2:45pm - The focus shifts to mentoring, wellbeing, counselling, and life skills during periods seven and eight. These sessions are integral for addressing the teens' emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues, providing a holistic approach to rehabilitation.
4:15pm - An administrative session follows, likely involving personal organisation and preparation for the evening's activities.
4:45pm - The evening begins with a guest speaker or community transition session, helping the teens to connect with positive role models and prepare for reintegration into society.
5:30pm - Dinner is served.
6:15pm - Post-dinner activities focus on wellness, further emphasising the importance of a balanced lifestyle.
6:45pm - The evening routine allows the teens to wind down and reflect on their day.
8:30pm - "Stand easy" or downtime provides a final period of relaxation before lights out.
9:30pm - Lights out.
Throughout the three-month residential phase, mentors will play a pivotal role in the teens' daily lives. These mentors, who are expected to be onboard by August 12, are tasked with providing continuous support and guidance, according to RNZ.
Each mentor, paired one-on-one with a teenager and their whānau, must meet specific qualifications and experience criteria, including working with high-risk youth and providing therapeutic support.
The mentors' responsibilities extend beyond the residential phase, continuing through a nine-month community transition period. During this time, the mentors support the teens' reintegration into the community, help them comply with court requirements, and provide ongoing emotional and practical support to prevent reoffending.
This $5.1-million pilot programme, estimated to cost about $100,000 per teenager in just mentor costs, represents a significant investment in the future of these young offenders.
By combining strict routines, education, cultural engagement, and intensive mentoring, the government aims to offer these youths a chance at a brighter future.
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