What a grand beginning to a new term in RESPONSIBLE REHABILITATION. After two weeks of holiday it was wonderful to be back in our Circles of Sharing... here a few windows to what is going to happen this term:
WORCESTER MEDIUM PRISON:
I received a phone call from Andrew Aloni this week. Andrew transferred to Worcester (from Brandvlei) a few weeks ago. He has the past year been guided through the process by Maka. He received his PART1 certificate in December 2009 and began PART2. He has also started the Responsibility Coach Education. He is eager to begin with test clients (fellow inmates) in Worcester and has already spoken to management in Worcester. AMAZING how this process just takes itself to where it is needed. WOW!!! Andrew will be starting his first test client and I am finding a way how we can support him the best way possible - not being physically present at Worcester yet (we will once we have sponsors onboard / funding for the process). There is a possibility that Luyanda (qualified coach) will transfer from Brandvlei to Worcester as well.
There is so much learning for all involved in this process. It is so similar to the growth of a tree. We have planted the seed, watered it and nurtured it with love and gentleness. We can however not control the growth of it, how it will look and the amount of fruits it will bear... what we can do is TRUST that this already is the most beautiful tree... a stunning process... totally unique!
BRANDVLEI MAXIMUM PRISON:
May 5th we will have our first certificate ceremony of the year - a day of celebration. First time ever within SA prisons will offenders receive dimplomas as fully qualified Responsibility Coaches. They ROCK!!! They have prepared our new 10-man strong coach student team in Brandvlei and this year they will guide a few hundres of their fellow inmates through the process.
We are inviting DCS Area Commissioner, Head of Parole Board, Head of Social Workers, Brandvlei Maximum Management, Media...
For the Brandvlei Process we need sponsors for 10 coach manuals (either money donation or donation of HP cartridges and files. Paper was kindly donated by Michael Norwitz (ABC Print)). We are also looking for support of our event through donation of snacks for 150 inmates on that day. AND we are looking for sponsorships of track suits for the qualified coaches (with SmilingOne print and Responsibility Coach Team)
GOODWOOD MEDIUM PRISON:
We are also here preparing our first certificate ceremony of the year. Update will follow soon!
AND we are preparing the release of some of our process participants:
- Thabo was released Friday and will slot into our support group in Guguletu
- Isaac will be released end of April and will slot into our support group in Guguletu
- Farouk (coach student) will be released in May. He will work closely with the SmilingOne Team in all community building processes.
- Welcome (coach student) will be released within the next 3 months. He will be working closely with the SmilingOne Team and begin THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL process within SA schools.
We aim to start further coach students in Goodwood through this term. Any process participant can after having completed PART1 of THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL (and being in the process of PART2) apply to become part of the guidance team.
WE ALL HAVE A DIAMOND WITHIN:
When I look at my fellow human beings - regardless of the journey they have walked - I see beautiful souls on journeys of exploration and learning. This is the potential we (SmilingOne) tap into. There are many opinions about SA prisoners based upon crime in our beautiful country and the fear we carry within. I understand this very well. I deal with crime daily - it is also affecting my life. It has however never robbed my heart! It has only strengthened me in walking a path of LOVE!
Our process participants from RESPONSIBLE REHABILITATION within prisons will be able to reach so many more people (children, youth, families, schools...) in diverse communities due to their own journeys, their experiences and their unique toolboxes of life. We cannot change the choices of the past. We can learn from them and use them as valuable ingredients in inspiring change and responsible living.
L O V E
Karina
