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Evan Davies has made the walk into Spring Hills Prison many times, but Sunday is different - he has a care package for some prisoners.
Davies is the prisoners' music teacher and when he brought in a CD and played it, all his students knew the words. That is because they wrote and produced the songs.
The prisoners were not even sure Davies would come back, but he says he had come to give them their album, which he named If These Walls Could Speak.
"Today they are going to feel like pretty special human beings, I think everyone needs to feel that regardless of where you are at and today, damn straight, they are going to feel like that, which is awesome," Davies says.
One of the prisoners says making music with Davies was one of the best experiences he has ever had, next to having children.
"In prison the only thing you have is time - time to think, time to write and time to express their emotions. They write about love and loss," Davies says.
Sixty percent of prisoners are illiterate, so prison bosses say getting them to write, even songs, helps.
Every person in the Spring Hills facility will be released into the community and the best way prison bosses say to protect the community, is that they help change behaviour while the prisoners are incarcerated. They believe teaching music is one of the methods to do that.
Davies says people can buy these songs on iTunes and online. The prisoners have decided the profits will go to Canteen.
If you want to buy the CD, go to prisonsongs.co.nz
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentRuralWomenNZ said on 2011-06-17 @ 09:09 NZDT: Report abusive post
Hey! We thought you might be interested in the aftersocks projects that will raise money for the Chch Mayoral Fund. The idea came from two Cantabrian sisters called Justine and Jo Ottey. Check out the website www.aftersocks.co.nz from the 20th June or www.facebook.com/aftersocks.
Jazz1 said on 2010-05-24 @ 14:59 NZDT: Report abusive post
Love this segment! What great people!
margi21 said on 2010-04-07 @ 21:36 NZDT: Report abusive post
I have this guys heart i would be dead if it wasent for him , thanks barry !
Jankeal said on 2009-12-25 @ 23:57 NZDT: Report abusive post
Tim is my father and i'd just like to say that i'm proud of what he does bringing happiness to others lives and yet still finds time to talk and see his grandchildren. For a man who's had it rough the last 2-3 years it hasn't slowed him down and he still has time for everyone. Good on you dad/Pop!
TheHoltens said on 2009-12-21 @ 11:34 NZDT: Report abusive post
The piece about Mark Granthams brought tears to my eyes. What an inspirational young man. Has made me look at myself and realise what little I do for the wider community. Thanks Mark :)