October 6th 2010
LOVING ACTION for our beautiful country South Africa.
The SmilingOne Foundation, our strong team of Responsibility Coaches, Students and their clients, Prison Management & Officials, SmilingOne Founder Karina Andersen and guests Vaughan McGee (SmilingOne Re-integration), Nicole Wagner and Nadia Lubowski were celebrating journeys of change and responsible living within Brandvlei Maximum Prison.
THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL has been facilitated since January 2008 within the prison. 4 fully qualified coaches, 10 coach students and a handful of clients (hundreds) have come out of this process so far (and activated the process in another 3 prisons due to transfers)... and we are still going strong : )
If you doubt that change is possible... you gotta experience this process. It will take you BEYOND...
THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL™ - My journey thus far...
By Welcome Dennis Witbooi (Responsibility Coach™ Student)
If anyone had asked me a few years ago what I thought about the meaning of responsibility, I would probably have said “No comment”. However, today, being part and member of the responsible individual process, I have so much to share. Like anyone I know, my life too has been plagued by many disappointments and long series of interwoven processes. My journey has not been without difficulty, whether it being personally, spiritually or even emotionally, but it was through these experiences that I am now able to learn, let go, and to overcome my fears. As a responsible individual I am free to form loving relationships, inspire change and continue to discover and learn of myself.
For many years I was trapped in the system of believing that I was incapable of loving. It took me a long time to realize that I was able to love, and to be loved in return, but this realization would not have been possible if I had not made the choice to be part of this process – The Responsible Individual...
The process is difficult at times, and there were many occasions when I personally and emotionally felt like running away, and I almost did. I did not want to dealt with or acknowledge my past experiences and neither did I want to acknowledge the people involved in my life as gifts. With support and guidance I was allowed to express how I felt, even thought it was hurting. My tears were instrumental in the reconstruction of my self-identity and provided me with the opportunity to heal.
The experience of meeting myself face to face, and dealing with the various degrees of my personality, disabling defence mechanisms and making space for self actualization and learning. This has added value to my journey. Instead of surviving, I am living, loving and learning.
What makes the process so special?
Inside prison it forms part of the Offender Rehabilitation Path and identifies, deals and addresses the factors concerning offender development. This process allows offenders the opportunity to fully participate in their own responsible and rehabilitation process. Participants are responsible for their own processing, and are gently guided to find their own answers. This process compliments the vision of the Department of Correctional Services by promoting offender development in the following areas: personal, spiritual, psychological, educational and also guides in community and family re-integration.
In my almost three years participation and involvement in this process I have developed an understanding and learning. I have also in this time formulated great friendships and family ties. I have achieved a lot of growth spiritually, educationally and personally.
I am currently training as a Responsibility Coach™ and believe me there are moment when I doubt whether I am able to guide others – but with continued guidance I am learning as I walk my journey of Responsibility...
Welcome Dennis Witbooi 200160311
Worcester Correctional Centre 21.06.2010
If anyone had asked me a few years ago what I thought about the meaning of responsibility, I would probably have said “No comment”. However, today, being part and member of the responsible individual process, I have so much to share. Like anyone I know, my life too has been plagued by many disappointments and long series of interwoven processes. My journey has not been without difficulty, whether it being personally, spiritually or even emotionally, but it was through these experiences that I am now able to learn, let go, and to overcome my fears. As a responsible individual I am free to form loving relationships, inspire change and continue to discover and learn of myself.
For many years I was trapped in the system of believing that I was incapable of loving. It took me a long time to realize that I was able to love, and to be loved in return, but this realization would not have been possible if I had not made the choice to be part of this process – The Responsible Individual...
The process is difficult at times, and there were many occasions when I personally and emotionally felt like running away, and I almost did. I did not want to dealt with or acknowledge my past experiences and neither did I want to acknowledge the people involved in my life as gifts. With support and guidance I was allowed to express how I felt, even thought it was hurting. My tears were instrumental in the reconstruction of my self-identity and provided me with the opportunity to heal.
The experience of meeting myself face to face, and dealing with the various degrees of my personality, disabling defence mechanisms and making space for self actualization and learning. This has added value to my journey. Instead of surviving, I am living, loving and learning.
What makes the process so special?
Inside prison it forms part of the Offender Rehabilitation Path and identifies, deals and addresses the factors concerning offender development. This process allows offenders the opportunity to fully participate in their own responsible and rehabilitation process. Participants are responsible for their own processing, and are gently guided to find their own answers. This process compliments the vision of the Department of Correctional Services by promoting offender development in the following areas: personal, spiritual, psychological, educational and also guides in community and family re-integration.
In my almost three years participation and involvement in this process I have developed an understanding and learning. I have also in this time formulated great friendships and family ties. I have achieved a lot of growth spiritually, educationally and personally.
I am currently training as a Responsibility Coach™ and believe me there are moment when I doubt whether I am able to guide others – but with continued guidance I am learning as I walk my journey of Responsibility...
Welcome Dennis Witbooi 200160311
Worcester Correctional Centre 21.06.2010
Members Manual for 'Activation of THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL in a correctional institution'
It has been another exciting month with four active prison programmes and our newest exciting challenge with creating a manual of guidelines for DCS members, who will be assigned to THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL inside prison as SmilingOne Programme Coordinators.
We have four Wednesdays in a row been brainstorming the ingredients hand in hand with the two newly assigned SmilingOne Programme Coordinators in Worcester Men's Prison and the Coach/Student team that was recently transferred to the Medium Correctional Facility.
The most exciting thing about this is that will assist to build a platform where inmates and DCS members work hand in hand, heart by heart and making a difference TOGETHER!
Change happens on many different levels. It begins with the individual embracing his/her responsibility. It is important with opportunities and channels to practice the change... to be given a chance to bring 'theory' into experience... this is how we learn to walk our talk. This members manual of guidelines is a step in that direction!
We have handed the manual in to DCS and will now add it to all Coach/Student Manuals. We are futhermore now seeking Regional Clearance to roll-out THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL regionally.
We have four Wednesdays in a row been brainstorming the ingredients hand in hand with the two newly assigned SmilingOne Programme Coordinators in Worcester Men's Prison and the Coach/Student team that was recently transferred to the Medium Correctional Facility.
The most exciting thing about this is that will assist to build a platform where inmates and DCS members work hand in hand, heart by heart and making a difference TOGETHER!
Change happens on many different levels. It begins with the individual embracing his/her responsibility. It is important with opportunities and channels to practice the change... to be given a chance to bring 'theory' into experience... this is how we learn to walk our talk. This members manual of guidelines is a step in that direction!
We have handed the manual in to DCS and will now add it to all Coach/Student Manuals. We are futhermore now seeking Regional Clearance to roll-out THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL regionally.
Opening of Group of Hope in Worcester Prison
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...
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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