Video: Offenders in Houston Earn Forestry Certificates

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HOUSTON, Miss. (WCBI)  – Students in Chickasaw County earned a certificate in forestry Monday.

It’s an opportunity that doesn’t come around much, when you are an offender in the Chickasaw County Correctional Facility.

For men like Kenan Watkins,  it’s the key to a second chance.

“I went to college and I actually messed my opportunity up. It feels good to actually know that I’m getting back into school and earning something. It’s not much but it means a lot, ” says Watkins.

The offenders learn about how to turn timber into cash,  a skill Watkins may be able to use once he is released.

“My folks own a bunch of old land and we have a bunch of old trees and stuff like that. I was really just wanting to know how much it’s worth, ” says Watkins.

Warden Brand Huffman says he hopes the behavior based program gives all 16 men that earned their certificates,  a better shot at success,  outside these walls.

“That lets them know that they can achieve something in life and maybe when they get out, they can get up, and go to work everyday, ” says Warden Huffman.

Huffman says steady work can mean the difference between these men coming back, or staying free once they’re released.

Next the offenders can take a horticulture class, where they will be working in a garden and greenhouse.

All the classes are hosted by MSU Extension Agents.

Categories: Local News

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