Inmates at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary Gain Diplomas

The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice, today congratulated five inmates at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary (HMP) who successfully completed their General Educational Development (GED) examination. A graduation ceremony was held today at HMP where the graduates were awarded their High School Equivalency diplomas. This is the first time that such a ceremony was held at the facility.

“This is a significant day for inmates at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary,” said Minister King. “I am pleased that they have an opportunity to work towards receiving their high school equivalency diploma and these five individuals should take great pride in the achievement of having completed the GED program.”

The GED program was established in 1942 and is recognized throughout Canada and the United States. The examinations measure proficiency in high school curriculum areas including science, mathematics, social studies, reading and writing. In Newfoundland and Labrador, tests are administered by local examiners hired by the Department of Education.

At HMP, inmates who show an interest may avail of the GED program with the aid of the penitentiary’s Adult Basic Education Learning Centre. Participating inmates are provided with a GED textbook consisting of exercises and practice tests, and they are offered the assistance of an instructor. This year, five candidates met the required set of scores on the examinations and officially achieved their high school equivalency.

“The acquisition of a GED credential is a move in a positive direction for these inmates,” said Minister King. “They have demonstrated the value of perseverance and shown that even in a challenging situation, such as being incarcerated, one can achieve a measure of success in meeting personal goals. I congratulate them on their achievements.”

- 30 -

Media contact:
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca 

2013 06 20             3:40 p.m.