HTI & Pa'ahao: Preparing for a Better Quality of Life

February 13, 2009

A new Foundation Development training series facilitated by HTI outreach instructors has started up in O`ahu prisons for 2009.  Hawai`i Technology Institute has been offering the unique training to prison populations for over two years and has received rave reviews from inmates and prison officials alike about its topics and methods of delivery.  The series focuses on helping inmates to find value in developing personal identity and declaring their respective intent in life.

B.W. from Halawa Correctional Facility stated his overall highlight of the class was “the way everything seemed to be broken down for a better understanding along with its presentation.”  R.T. from Women’s Community Correctional Center enjoyed HTI’s “being realistic…get(ting) straight to the point and point(ing) out areas that certain individuals have a hard time in (like) dealing with self.”

Currently, classes are being facilitated in the women’s facility at Kailua and in the men’s facility at Halawa.

Though structured around general life skills topics, the approach to the course content is comprehensive and intense.  In spite of having to tackle some pretty “deep” things about themselves in various roles and responsibilities they’ve had and will have in life, most inmates were grateful for being able to participate in the series and suggest there be more in the future.

The class was the “best ever, really hard to surpass (method, approach and materials),” shared C.P. from Halawa.  X.E. from WCCC dittoed with “This has been one of the best courses I’ve ever taken…ever!! including college on the outside.”

La Vonne Sexton, Coordinator of Special Projects, has put a call-out for trainers to assist with HTI’s prison outreach.  “We are looking for a few good people who are willing to work with us to serve our incarcerated brothers and sisters.  Contrary to the belief of many, inmates in the majority of the system are respectful, open-minded and willing to participate in the classes offered.”  She added that the content of the classes are much-needed and provide great opportunity for inmates to fill huge holes in their own self-understanding.  “They are very appreciative of the learning experience and want for more every time.  Ten two-hour sessions are definitely not enough.”

“I really appreciate the honesty and reminding us of the basics, the simple things that we forget,” commented K.B., an inmate at WCCC.  One of the long-timers at Women’s, C.H., shares, “My spirit was awaken(ed), which before was hanging sort of on the fence ½ and ½.  I was fearful, now I’m fearless today.  I know who I am and I’m okay with (my)self.  I’m not stuck in a rut of what people would think of me.  I own me and everything about me making right.”