 |
| A PLACE FOR SECOND CHANCES: The logo of the correctional services Source:olx.co.za |
We all make mistakes in life and we all deserve second chances. The Department of Correctional services is trying by all means possible that the people who are sentenced get the punishment they deserve, but at the same time helping them to become better individuals when they finish their sentence in prison. All prisoners have family days either once or twice a year.
It was on the 24 September 2012, Heritage day when I went to a family day in Leowkop prison. I was so amazed that even the people who have wronged the community get a chance to be with their family and friends inside the prison without the weirdly supervision from the prison warders. They were so free, looked so innocent and very neat with their orange uniform. They get a chance to freely talk with their family and friends. There are tents, chairs, Dj’s, Jumping castles, Braaing stands and many other things that are organized for that special day for them to be happy.
A lot of people have the perception that prisoners are devils and do not deserve a chance to go back to the society. They believe that if you are from prison you do not deserve to be treated like a human being. Prisoners go to jail because they broke the law or for many other reasons, but some of them go to prison for something they are not even guilty of.
The rehabilitation activities that the Department of Correctional services has in prisons are aimed at helping prisoners deal and accept that they are now in jail. The activities are aimed at helping them forget about many things but focus on themselves. These activities also educate them about life, give them skills and make them aware that they need to be better people for themselves and their families.
 |
| DISCOVERING OF TALENTS: Prisoners who are doing a Theatre play. Source:olx.co.za |
These activities, depending on which prison is it include:
v Sewing
v Boiler making
v Computer skills
v Cooking skills
v Soccer
v Choir
Studies have shown that even if other prisoners when they are set free go back and do the same or worse mistakes in society, but majority of them learn from their mistakes and become better and responsible individuals when they get out. I think that a lot of campaigns need to be done to change people’s perception about prisoners.
Its a great concept because it makes these guys to really feel accepted and remembered as citizens who made mistakes so big up to the government.
ReplyDeleteYes such initiatives made by the government make them to see that they are given a second chance and that they must use that second chance to re-build themselves.
DeleteThis is a great initiative by the government because by letting prisoners to be with their families, they are able to feel loved and appreciated and therefore become better people. The activities are a great way to discover their talents and give them something to look forward to when they are out.
ReplyDeleteThe activities really help them a lot because some of them use those skills and end up starting their own businesse with those skills, and living a better life.
Deletethis is really a good thing for the prisoners because this is in way psychological session for them, i think they derserve second chances in their societies and not be judged for what they did in he past
ReplyDeleteJudging them or discriminating them by the things they did in the past is one thing that makes some of them not quit doing the rong things because now they feel that what ever they do they will never be accepted by the society.
DeleteAtleast they are doing something for them in order to change their lives when they come back from jail. This will also reduce the number of crime rates in SA.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that. If the department of correctional services can implement a lot of activities to give them skills then yes the crime rate will decrease because they will have skills to be hired and start their own businesses when they get out of jail.
DeleteThere too much vibe in prison this days, competition, sports,awards, free education and now family day. Soon will see prisons recieving a large number of criminals because they want to join the party.
ReplyDeleteWell that is something else hey. i dont really think that people can intentionally do crime so that they can go recieve special treatment in jail, remember that is a place that makes you feel as if you have no power to your own life because you are told when to eat, sleep etc.
Deleteyea siphokazi, everyone has a weaker side in life they are there in jail because of various reasons. DOCS is doing the good thing to reunite the prisoners with their fimalies. and prison is no longer the same as 1970s, now they learn so many skills inside.
ReplyDeleteYes, and its even better nowadays that they dont even beat each other in some prisons, and no one has the power to abuse the other.
DeleteI used to think that when one is in prison, you wouldn't get a chance to express the person that you are and I have to say that it is a great initiative. I last read in the newspaper that some even get their degrees whilst serving their sentences.
ReplyDeleteThat is so correct, the prisoneers are allowed to continue or start from which ever standard they ended up in whilst they were outside. they are even exposed to NSFAS if they want to study further to institutions like UNISA for any degree, diploma etc.
Delete