[NEW PURPOSE: Thanks to LaSalle's fine-arts programme at Changi Prison, inmates like Ah Fong (not his real name) have found a renewed purpose in life through painting and drawing.]

By DEWI SRIWAHYUTO

AFINE-ARTS programme conducted by an instructor from the LaSalle College of the Arts has given a group of inmates at Changi Prison a renewed purpose in life.

For drug offender Kenzo, the course had "enlightened" him and helped him become a more patient person.

He said: "I've always had a passion for art. Since I started the course, there has been a lot of improvement in my attitude. I am more patient and the class has broadened my understanding of colours."

Kenzo, who is due to be released at the end of the year after spending more than seven years in jail, said he hoped to be able to secure a full-time course in design at LaSalle when he is out of prison.

He is one of 10 prison inmates who qualified for the new 45-hour certificate programme in fine arts, which covers a range of topics on fundamental concepts and techniques of art, such as using lines, textures and tones to create contrast.

The programme, which started two weeks ago, is the result of a collaboration between the Prisons and LaSalle.

The programme is the school's first such initiative and it hopes that the certificate the inmates receive at the end of the course would provide them with the necessary foundation to pursue higher education in art upon their release.

LaSalle chairman Peter Seah said: "This programme is in line with LaSalle's commitment to contribute to the creative industries.

"In working with Prisons, we are able to nurture talent who might otherwise not have the chance to pick up the necessary skills and certification to pursue productive creative careers."

Every week, inmates have to attend nine hours of classes. Instructor Luis Lee Jin Min, 36, said the response of the students was heartening.

"It has been great. I enjoy their attentiveness and willingness to learn... There is a significant difference in their attitude, understanding and the use of colours," he said.

One of his students, who wished to be known only as Afei, said: "Art is like my therapist because my attitude has improved since I started the class.

Because of this, I look forward to the day when I wake up in the morning."

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