Parolees clean up at school

[caption id="attachment_70627" align="alignright" width="300"] DON'T DO CRIME: Greenville Primary School Grade 7 pupils listen to the life story of a St Albans prisoner Picture: FREDLIN ADRIAAN -[/caption]

A PORT Elizabeth school was cleaned up yesterday – thanks to a group of prison parolees.

Greenville Primary school teacher Vera Jewell’s idea came about after she sent a letter to the community correctional office in North End asking for help.

The Grade 2 teacher also works as spiritual care worker at St Albans Prison on Saturdays.

Five St Albans Prison parolees, held on a variety of charges including armed robbery and attempted murder, were sent to the school. They tackled the school’s long grass yesterday and will carry out more chores next week.

Jewell said she had reported problems to the Department of Education and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

“Although officials were sent to assess the damage, so far nothing has been done,” she said.

Parolee Siviwe Langa, who received a two-year sentence for attempted murder, said it felt good to give something back.

“I would just like to say to all the kids out there: prison is not a nice place to be. They must keep studying hard.”

-Amir Chetty