Prison Journalism: Inside and Outside

Being incarcerated was not easy; it was an experience that I will never forget. Each day had its own challenge. Being controlled by the prison system was not easy, but for me, it was a lesson that made me stronger and humbler. I’ve learned through all the hard times, and it’s harder missing your family on the outside, knowing your hands are tied up. There is nothing you can do in any situation. Don’t know what to think and do.

My mother had breast cancer, and it was very hard for me because I was not there while my brother and sister needed me the most, and I never wanted to be away from them again. It was really hard sitting behind bars while life is going on while yours is stuck in prison. It’s like torture to yourself, blaming yourself for the stupid things that brought you to a place like prison. Always feeling restless made me think that I need to change my life, not to be locked up again.

Eventually, I found a way to occupy myself by asking Lisa of Restore to help me get into a program called RLabs. It’s a youth uplifting organization focusing on youth and community development. After attending the program for three months, I then started, after my 3 months, to volunteer with the organization to care for our elder people of the community at an elderly club.

I’ve asked Lisa if she knows about Chrysalis, and she told me she is in contact with the CEO, and there I knew it’s God’s work. I got a date for an interview with the CEO, and that is where my life had a very big turn for the better. Working with youth and living in a positive environment where you sleep safe, no gunshots or contact with the outside, everyone being treated fairly, and being built and equipped with the necessary skills to face the world with two different perspectives of life.

South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Prison Journalism: Learning and rehabilitation in prisonDean Mashimbwe, a Zimbabwean migrant residing in Cape Town, was incarcerated at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre from 2016 until 2017.
Source: TheSAnews - 🏆 25. / 59 Read more »

Prison Journalism: Uncovering the contraband networkJean-Pierre Le-Roux is a divorced father of two beautiful children. He was incarcerated for 20 months for pointing a firearm.
Source: TheSAnews - 🏆 25. / 59 Read more »

Prison Journalism: The Story of Bra JomoDavid van Nek was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison from 2013 until 2015 and participated in the restorative justice programme.
Source: TheSAnews - 🏆 25. / 59 Read more »

Prison Journalism: A tribute to those who never return homeWesley Leong was incarcerated at the age of 15 in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Restore’s research and reintegration project.
Source: TheSAnews - 🏆 25. / 59 Read more »

Prison Journalism: A journey of self-discoveryLincoln Raker was incarcerated at Pollsmoor prison from 2013 until 2016 and participated in the restorative justice programme while serving his time.
Source: TheSAnews - 🏆 25. / 59 Read more »

Prison Journalism: Inmate pre-release and release processesDean Mashimbwe, a Zimbabwean migrant residing in Cape Town, was incarcerated at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre from 2016 until 2017.
Source: TheSAnews - 🏆 25. / 59 Read more »