News

Working with Juvenile Offenders in Bolivia

In late 2012, the PF Bolivia chapter in Oruro piloted a victim empathy course called, “What have I done?” for young offenders. The course, adapted from the original English by volunteers, uses various activities to help young people understand the impact of criminal or harmful behaviour and to begin taking responsibility for their own actions.

PF Bahamas Celebrates their Second Sycamore Tree Project®

On 22 November 2012, six prisoners in HMP Fox Hill and six victims of crime met with community members to share about their experiences in the Sycamore Tree Project®. The final celebration event featured a meal, speeches by government officials, and discussions of what the programme is.

Recruiting victim participants: Australia

The PF Australia chapter in Queens land received an invitation to run the Sycamore Tree Project® two to three times a year at the Southern Queensland Correctional Centre. To make this happen, the ministry needs to build strong relationships with crime victims living in the community close to the correctional centre. Jason Wickes, the Sycamore Tree Project® for PF Australia’s Queensland chapter, provided an overview of the strategy he is testing.

PF Singapore’s Faith-Based Unit Offers Hope

In reflecting on his time in PF Singapore’s faith-based unit, recent graduate Jason describes the love and concern he received from volunteers. Their encouragement and support helped him to settle into the programme despite his fears and lack of basic literacy skills. He also achieved a long desired goal of reconciling with his sister and brother in a family meeting that allowed for honest sharing, tears, hugs and rebuilding of relationships.

PF Germany Recognised with National Award

On 10 December 2012, PF Germany’s Seehaus Leonberg received the German Citizenship award in the category termed “Everyday Heroes.” The award recognised the work of over 100 volunteers helping young offenders prepare for life in the community through the alternative to prison programme.

Promoting Restorative Justice in Cameroon

In October 2012, PF Cameroon partnered with the National Commission of Human Rights and Freedoms (NCHRF) to host a one-day awareness raising seminar on restorative justice. Attendees included representatives of key stakeholder groups such as the Ministry of Justice, media outlets, the Cameroon Bar Association, Parliament, and various international development agencies. Presenters discussed various aspects of restorative justice theory, practices from different countries, and ways of introducing the concepts in Cameroon.

Sycamore Tree Project® Seminar in Czech Republic

In October, Prison Fellowship Czech Republic held a Sycamore Tree Project®(STP) seminar as part of its programme implementation strategy. The forty participants included chaplains, social workers, and psychologists from the prison service and representatives from various Christian groups including Teen Challenge, the Salvation Army, the Union of Catholic Women, and the Sisters of the Good Shepherd.

Sycamore Tree Grows in Guatemala

The recently chartered Prison Fellowship Guatemala implemented the Sycamore Tree Project® (STP) as one of its first programmes. It ran two courses in facilities in the Department of Escuintla: the Prison Centre Canadá and the Maximum Security prison. According to Byron Saenz, a lawyer working with the ministry, both experiences were positive for all those involved. After the final celebration events, the Prison Fellowship Guatemala leadership felt encouraged to further programme implementation throughout the country.

Community Service in El Salvador

In late 2011, PF El Salvador signed an agreement with USAID to provide community service opportunities for young people in conflict with the law. To fulfil the agreement, the ministry organised several worksites where the young people cleaned up abandoned lots and constructed a security fence. Involvement of local community volunteers alongside those young people serving community service formed a key part of the projects.

Restorative Justice in Costa Rica

On 26 and 27 July, Prison Fellowship International’s Dan Van Ness participated in two events organised by the Costa Rican Supreme Court of Justice to promote the country’s efforts to implement restorative justice programming. His participation resulted from an invitation made to PF Costa Rica to be part of the initiative.