By Anastasha Elliott
Last Thursday the graduating 4A students of the Charlestown Secondary School gathered in the complex for a final fair well with their teachers.
During the morning’s proceedings the students and teachers engaged in prayer and song. Several teachers took the opportunity to speak to the students one last time before they entered the world of work.
The students were also visited by John Prentice, a prison officer; a taxi driver; and a former prisoner.
They are members of the Circle of Peace Programme.
The Circle of Peace Programme is where individuals visit the church, primary and secondary schools to speak young people about crime.
Prentice and the former prisoner, who wishes to remain anonymous, spoke to students, life in prison and dealing with life after prison.
The former prisoner urged the students not to get involved in criminal activity.
He informed them of his credentials, that he speaks nine different languages and holds some nine subjects.
He told them that despite this society shuns him and he finds it hard to get a job despite being eligible for the position.
His credentials do not matter, he said.
He also spoke to the students about his experience as a prisoner.
Prentice told the students about prison life. He urged them not to go on a path that could lead them to prison.
Prentice said he would like to see a change in the youth of today from the path that many are travelling on.
“As youths some chose the wrong road and then when they are older want to change. It’s too late then. People look at them different and it’s harder for them to be accepted into society,” said Prentice.
Prentice said he is of the opinion that prisoners should be given a second chance when they are willing to take it.
“It seems as though when you go to prison your life outside has ended and that should not be so.”
Edson Elliott, Principal of the Charlestown High School, said Prentice was resourceful in speaking to the students.
He added that it was good that both Prentice and the former prisoner came and spoke to the students.
“The students were able to hear first hand what we always tell them. When they heard it from someone who experienced it, I think it was more meaningful to them,” said Elliott.
