Build on the Sycamore Tree Project®
In December 2009, seven prisoners completed the PF Philippines’ two-year programme called Restoring Personhood Module (RPM). RPM consists of five different courses -- starting with the Sycamore Tree Project® (STP) – to help prisoners develop in their faith and commitments to change behaviour.
From the time PF Philippines launched STP in 2007, executive director Tess Uadan looked for further challenges for the prisoner participants. The follow-up courses include Lead like Jesus, the Faithsearch Discovery Seminar, Kairos cross-cultural awareness course, and the Spokesman Club.
According to Tess, STP provides “good material to initiate a relationship with participants.” The interactive nature of the programme helps to break down barriers and open discussion on sensitive topics. The new relationships that develop offer the foundation for providing ongoing service and partnership.
Other Prison Fellowships have developed strategies for following-up with STP participants. These include:
- Referral to restorative justice services for a meeting with their direct victim/offender in New Zealand, South Africa, and the Netherlands.
- Offer the Alpha course for interested participants in Bolivia
- Referral to other PF programmes and/or chaplaincy service in Scotland, Western Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
March 2009
