The first graduates from the prison's Sycamore Tree programme had spent the past few weeks in eight sessions where offenders were asked to face up to the impact of their crimes on victims, while the victims sought answers as to why the offences were committed in the first place.
The voluntary programme included prisoners sentenced for a range of offences including drugs offences, arson and domestic violence.
The victims were not direct victims of those crimes but had been victims of crime committed by others not involved in the Sycamore Tree programme itself.
Victims spoke of what they called an enlightening experience, while prisoners said it made them more aware of the true impact their behaviour had on so many people.
Chris Chevalier, from the Prison fellowship of New Zealand, which co-ordinates the programme at prisons nationwide, said it focused on forgiveness, reconciliation and acceptance from both prisoners and victims.
"This isn't about letting prisoners off the hook, but hopefully making them understand the hurt they have caused to others,'' he said.
One prisoner, imprisoned for drug dealing, told the gathering the programme was something he hoped would be "the first towards a new life''.
Another said the eight-session programme had "opened doors inside my head I never knew existed''.
One victim described the course as "an amazing and stimulating experience'' while another, close to tears, said he and the other victims were free to leave the prison, while the prisoners were not, but "all six of these fellows are in my heart''.
OCF manager Jack Harrison applauded the honesty and participation of all involved and said the programme complemented what the facility was all about - helping make positive differences in the lives of prisoners.
Inspector Alastair Dickie, of Dunedin, congratulated the group for its efforts and said he was impressed with their courage and honesty.
Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin, who presented the group with graduation certificates, said he was lost for words after hearing about the participants' experiences and what they had gained from the programme.
"All of us, regardless of our station, have a responsibility to others and what is going on here is fantastic,'' he said.
