Today I spend an inspiring day at Worcester Prison where the Group of Hope (GOH) had their opening ceremony, celebrating a woman's day event. If you know a bit about our history with GOH you will know that it was the group we initially started with in beginning of 2008 as we brought THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL to Brandvlei Maximum Prison. GOH focuses on skills development programmes which is an essential ingredient in activating A CIRCLE OF CHANGE. I feel very privileged to be adding THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL, another essential ingredient, as well as the Responsibility Coach Education to the process in Worcester Prison.
It was remarkable to see the SmilingOne Responsibility Coaches, whom we have worked with the past 2.5 years in Brandvlei, leading the newly started GOH in Worcester, all shining so brightly.
Worcester Prison has now allocated two members to supervise and assist THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL as part of the GOH activities. We are currently awaiting funding for this project - this will enable me to go on a bi-weekly basis to the prison. Our first task will be to create a members manual and then to roll out the process using the coaches and students (inmates) to facilitate the process to fellow inmates. The process is essential in building GOH as it serves as a wonderful empowerment tool.
Update will follow shortly...
Re-Integration
Chris was released October 2009 after 10 years in prison. With him we took THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL to his community in Gugulethu. Chris is also in coach training. He is today in job with DreamWorkers (friends of the SmilingOne Family), he assists facilitation of the Youth Programme we run in Nyanga, he coaches a family in Kayelitsha and lives each day from his heart - truly walking change!
Thabo was released in April 2010 after more than 10 years in prison. Thabo assists both the community and SmilingOne tremendously in Nyanga. He connected us with the Nyanga Arts Development Programme where we today are running Youth Programmes hand in hand with the centre - in a circle of change. Thabo is committed to himself and change AND is a GREAT inspiration to those around him!
Farouk was released in May 2010 after 3 years in prison. He is in coach training and has such a passion for community and youth development. Each day he walks the journey by his heart - deepening himself. I don't think I have ever met someone as grateful as him. He gives thanks to all around him and expresses openly and freely. He has taken the lead on our Youth Programme in Nyanga and is growing amazingly with the programme.
Vaughan was released in May 2010 after 15 years in prison (on/off) and is doing his community service with us at SmilingOne - every Saturday attending and assisting the Youth Programme in Nyanga. It is such a privilege to have Vaughan join us. He is rather new in the programme - embracing it with all of him and I come to see how valuable it is to have these support groups in place. The journey is not an easy one - however - when we walk it hand in hand we are SO much stronger!!!
Thabo was released in April 2010 after more than 10 years in prison. Thabo assists both the community and SmilingOne tremendously in Nyanga. He connected us with the Nyanga Arts Development Programme where we today are running Youth Programmes hand in hand with the centre - in a circle of change. Thabo is committed to himself and change AND is a GREAT inspiration to those around him!
Farouk was released in May 2010 after 3 years in prison. He is in coach training and has such a passion for community and youth development. Each day he walks the journey by his heart - deepening himself. I don't think I have ever met someone as grateful as him. He gives thanks to all around him and expresses openly and freely. He has taken the lead on our Youth Programme in Nyanga and is growing amazingly with the programme.
Vaughan was released in May 2010 after 15 years in prison (on/off) and is doing his community service with us at SmilingOne - every Saturday attending and assisting the Youth Programme in Nyanga. It is such a privilege to have Vaughan join us. He is rather new in the programme - embracing it with all of him and I come to see how valuable it is to have these support groups in place. The journey is not an easy one - however - when we walk it hand in hand we are SO much stronger!!!
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