Bermuda College is to offer an education and vocational curriculum inside prison walls.

Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister said prisoners were already attending college courses and 23 were enrolled in correspondence courses.

He said: ?Dr. Charles Green, President of Bermuda College, has offered to prepare and deliver an educational and vocational curriculum to the Department of Corrections.

?This offering will include programmes such as culinary arts, basic math and English. In addition, there will be a range of vocational programmes such as air conditioning, mechanics and carpentry.

?It is proposed Bermuda College staff will come into the facilities in order to deliver the programmes.?

He said the culinary arts programme will cover all aspects of the hospitality industry, from food preparation to waiting and all completed programmes will result in certification.

?The Department of Corrections has the facilities; Bermuda College will provide the delivery.?

Westgate already offerswelding, mechanics, carpentry, sewing and life skills classes.

?Life skills continue to focus on character building, goal setting, finances, employment, computer usage and other life transitioning skills.?

The Co-Ed Facility offers hairdressing, carpentry, maths and English while the Farm Facility offers auto body work, horticulture and carpentry. There are also plans to set up training in mechanic for inmates at the Farm Facility.

Mr. Horton said the Department of Corrections employed teachers from the public school system to teach during the evening.

?Those teachers focus on GED subjects, math, English, science and social studies. The fall term 2004 offered courses to approximately 274 inmates.

?Students are also taking correspondence courses with Education Direct, a self-directed programme that is sent through the mail. The GED examination was held at Bermuda College and I am pleased to report five inmates from Westgate were successful.?