Weld Australia is seeking partner organisations to help expand the transformative Buddy Up program.
The program is designed to break down barriers to education by improving literacy among people in prison through peer-led learning.
Weld Australia director of strategic partnerships, Ben Mitchell, said educational programs in prison are critical to upskilling and leads to potential employment pathways and real job opportunities.
The Buddy Up Program pairs learners with peer coaches and uses the Toe-by-Toe structured literacy model to provide individualised support in a judgment-free, peer-driven environment.
Mitchell said 10 inmates successfully completed the pilot program in 2024, with more participants enrolled in 2025.
“By supporting Buddy Up, we’re helping to remove a fundamental barrier to rehabilitation. Literacy is a critical enabler of education, employment and reintegration,” he said.
“We’re calling on other organisations to get involved. With more support, we can expand Buddy Up to other facilities and give more people in prison the opportunity to turn their lives around.”
To learn more contact Ben Mitchell at Weld Australia via ben.mitchell@weldaustralia.com.au