Christchurch Women’s prisoners create short film

13 June 2019
Two young women at Christchurch Women’s Prison have become the first in the South Island to receive their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Awards.

As part of their award, the women created a video on the challenges of coming to prison for the first time and ideas about changes that could be made in this area. The clip was presented as part of the women’s graduation ceremony and the prison are looking at other uses for it, in addition to looking at implementing many of the women’s recommendations.

“The women are justifiably proud of their achievement,” says Prison Director Deb Alleyne. “Through this project and the wider Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award, they have gained new skills and understanding about themselves and their community. They have worked as a team and have loved being part of the Duke of Edinburgh story.”

Creating the short video clip required the women to develop an idea, create a story board and script and work with Corrections staff to film and edit the final product.

“This wasn’t an easy project to do in the Corrections environment,” say Deb “Without the Award and each other, they may never have completed something like this. It’s been a long and challenging journey and I know they girls be very pleased and proud to have finished their film project and the Bronze award.”

This story was supplied by the Department of Corrections.