FRENCHMAN BRINGS NEW HOPE TO GERMAN DELINQUENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 April 1949, Page 2

FRENCHMAN BRINGS NEW HOPE TO GERMAN DELINQUENTS

(By a Reuter Correspondent in Frankfurt.) A Frenchman has brought new hope and freedom to German boys sentenced to terms of imprisonment by French Military Courts in Germany. A French-German Education Centre fo r youthful convicts is operating in the ancient castle of Ardeck on the Rhine under the supervision of Monsieur Henry Van Etten. Van Etten has been joined by his wife in an endeavour to make useful citizens of the convicted Germans, many 01. whom were sentenced to two or three years’ imprisonment. Instead of high grey prison walls and iron bars, the young convicts are surrounded by an ivy-covered castle, its garden and orchards. They work at craftsmen's shops in nearby Algesheim or in the castle orchards. Tnere are no prison guards, no bolted doors or large lettered “verboten" signs around the place. Van Etten’s methods are those of understanding, love, education anu work.

The teachers have succeeded well in winning the esteem and friendship of the young convicts. Under the rules, any educator applying bodily punishment or name-calling to his "pupils faces instant dismissal. Ranging in age from 14 to 19, all the "pupils have been sentenced by Frencn military Courts in Germany for violation of Military Government Law. Illegal possession of weapons and theft oi French property comprise 90 per cent, of their offences. Ardeck Castle was turned over to Monsieur Van Etten and his assistants 12 months ago, as a result of pleas made to the French Education Authorities .by M. Van Etten. "Pupils," many ol whom cannot even write their name or read because of the chaotic lives they led during the war and postwar years, receive a general education, the wages they receive are used lor individual purchases or to pay for cinema tickets. Teachers literally live among the young delinquents, sharing then meals and working with the boys whom they are trying to lead along the path towards a law-abiding society. Ardeck Castle's "graduates’ are recommended eventually to the French Military Government Judicia. Authorities for commutation of then sentences. A young convict releasee early last December promised to return lor Christmas to celebrate with his friends and teachers. He kept his promise. „