Prison Project
Overview
Too many children and young people come into contact with the criminal justice system due to extreme poverty and lack of awareness, and once inside the system, they are treated poorly.
The prisons are extremely overcrowded, some up to 600% over their maximum capacity. There are no alternatives to prison sentences. Community-based measures are not known. The UN Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners are not being met in any way.
Project Goals
-
Reintegration of prisoners into society
-
Sustainable prevention of poverty-related crimes
-
Planning and implementation of small business startups, and ensuring their long-term success
Goal achievement
Life Skills Program
We are running a 10-week Life Skills Program for Behaviour Change with 30 prisoners. The goal is to strengthen their life skills so that they no longer come into contact with the criminal justice system after their release. This is a holistic program covering the following topics:
-
Introduction and building safety and trust
-
Personal development goals
-
Self-awareness
-
Crime awareness and prevention
-
Skills for gaining independence
-
Social interaction skills
-
Healthy lifestyle
-
Family visits (YCD staff visit the families and support successful reintegration)
-
Resilience and coping strategies
-
Evaluation of personal goals
Seed Funding:
YCD offers this starter package to former offenders who have participated in the YCD Life Skills Program. This business starter package, worth $80, is handed out at the end of their prison term and is considered a repayable loan—provided the business is successful.
The package helps young people reintegrate into the workforce. YCD supports this process by first developing a business plan together with the individuals. Initially, only half of the funds are disbursed, and progress is monitored. The remaining half is provided after 2–3 months, once the plan has been followed and initial successes are evident.
Loan Repayment
The borrowers are aware that, after one year and only if their business is successful, they are expected to repay the loan to support the next group of released individuals.
Networking Meeting
Once a year, YCD organizes a networking meeting to which all business starters are invited. The event serves as a platform to exchange successful business practices, share knowledge with newcomers, and discuss experiences related to reintegration.
Sustainable Development Goals
This project contributes to fulfilling several of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.
By building a business and implementing it with a well-developed business plan, the prisoners are ensured not to fall back into poverty. Additionally, this makes them more resilient to economic and political crises.
Many of the businesses established through the project are in the agricultural sector. This not only eliminates hunger for the formerly incarcerated individuals and their families but also promotes sustainable agriculture.
Many children of the formerly incarcerated have no access to education due to extreme poverty. Through the Business Starter Program, families become financially independent and are able to provide education for their children.
Work contributes significantly to the fight against poverty. Many of the formerly incarcerated have never learned a profession. Through this project, they can engage in productive full-time employment and dignified work, thereby contributing to economic growth.