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Why Run Freedom Philosophy Courses in Prisons?
As a country, New Zealand still lags well behind more progressive countries like Norway and the Netherlands when it comes to reducing re-offending rates and helping former prisoners reintegrate back into society. (See Video) Our courses focus on helping prisoners to make positive changes so they can live better lives and also reduce reoffending. This is not only helpful for prisoners, it’s better for society at large. The courses sit alongside and support Department of Corrections existing rehabilitation programmes.
The Freedom Philosophy Programme
Currently, the Freedom Philosophy programme runs six courses: Philosophy & Freedom; Philosophy & Resilience; Philosophy & Love;, Philosophy & Success, Philosophy & Potential, and Philosophy & Life. Courses are run over three terms per year usually six weeks per term. Courses are flexible, independent of each other, and can be taken in any order. They form a foundation for students to build better lives. The Feedback received from prison students has been excellent, encouraging us to make them more widely available. (See Feedback)
Our Delivery Approach
Volunteer Tutors and Assistants who are members of our Society deliver the courses. Every student is treated with respect and as an equal. There are no tests or exams, just in-depth discussion leading to putting the teaching into practice. Course certificates and books are presented on completion in a graduation ceremony to celebrate the students’ success. (See Role of Tutors & Assistants)
Liaison with the Department of Corrections
We work closely with the Department of Corrections, especially the Volunteer Co-ordinators, whose assistance is vital and invaluable. The Society is heavily reliant on the support of Corrections within the prison on a day-to-day basis. They help everyone to feel safe and comfortable. Corrections also assist us by purchasing some books and printing the large volumes of course materials for our many participants.
Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle. Some things are within your control, and some things are not
-Epictetus-
courses
Philosophy & Freedom
Dr Paul Wood helps us launch this course through his book ‘How to escape from Prison’ and his 5-Step approach. It includes finding inner wisdom, making better decisions, the tyrannies of the mind and true freedom.
Philosophy & RESILIENCE
Focuses on the power of attention, communication, true happiness, and how to get life back on track. It includes Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness practices, based on Hugh van Cuylenburg’s book ‘The Resilience Project’.
Philosophy & love
Considers the true essence of love and beauty and the unity that connects us all. It explores the connections between Love and Law, and why they work best when they support each other. It draws on some ancient wisdom including Stoicism practices, introduced into Wyoming prison by Professor Rob Colter
philosophy & SUCCESS
A course that encourages participants to consider what is truly important to them and to develop their own goals and unique life plans, based on Dr David Keane’s book ‘The Art of Deliberate Success: The 10 Behaviours of Successful People’.
philosophy & potential
This course helps students to begin to see the potential within themselves for a better life ahead. It includes exploring how to take responsibility for our lives as well as gaining more control over our present to help shape our future. We review some ancient universal laws to guide our lives and establish a self-contract for noble goals.
philosophy & Life
Our 6th and final course in the series allows us to revisit some of the best gems of the previous courses and deepen our understanding of them. This refreshing aspect of study is immensely useful for students. The course also includes an exercise in contemplation that is helpful for strengthening relationships with those we love.