Stories from Africa

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PF Swaziland volunteer brings victims and offenders together

Recently, Dennis Shongwe responded to a case of common assault in his community by approaching both the victim and the offender to ask if they wanted to participate in a restorative conference. In doing so, the active PF Swaziland volunteer decided to put into practice some of the concepts he learned at the International Diploma in Restorative Justice course in July 2011.

Reaching the marginalized in Lesotho

In late August, PF Lesotho partnered with World Vision for a three day workshop titled “Community Building Agents.” Serving 20 young males known as “herd boys” the workshop sought to raise awareness about the harm of crime and the responsibility for actions taken.

Sycamore Tree and its legacy in Rwanda

PF Rwanda first implemented its adaptation of the Sycamore Tree Project® -- the Umuvumu Tree Project – in 2002 in response to the continuing tensions and trauma related to the 1994 genocide. As of May 2011, 45,000 prisoners and 10,000 community members have participated in the programme resulting in statements of forgiveness and acts of reconciliation. In the words of one participant, “It is amazing how victims and perpetrators can come together today and have discussions about the past, present, and future without fear.”

Victim offender mediation in Guinea-Conakry

According to research by Prison Fellowship Guinea-Conakry about 40% of people in Guinean prisons are awaiting trial. In response, the ministry developed a victim offender mediation programme to allow those on pre-trial detention and their victims meet to develop their own response to the criminal behaviour.

What is a reconciliation village?

From the Prison Fellowship Rwanda December Newsletter: There is nothing that speaks to the power of forgiveness like the Reconciliation Village: Perpetrators and victims who came face-to-face during the brutal events of the genocide have chosen to acknowledge the mistakes of the past and commit to living out the future together in peace. They have, in fact, gone beyond forgiveness. They have made a choice not only to move forward, but also to move forward together as neighbors and friends. This extension of forgiveness is the essence of reconciliation. It seems impossible. It is, without God’s presence in the hearts and minds of Rwandans. It is God’s grace, provision, and love now reflected in the lives of the villagers that make these communities grow and thrive. Reconciliation is the key to restoring Rwanda in the aftermath of the genocide.

PF Niger providing hope through legal assistance

For several years, PF Niger volunteers have gathered information on prisoners with various legal needs and shared these with a team of legal advisors. Once the information is compiled, PF Niger representatives visit the courts to gather further details on the case. If the matter is simple, the representatives will try to resolve the issues. If this is not possible, the ministry calls upon a team of Christian lawyers to represent the prisoners in court.

PF South Africa Engaging Churches through STP

From 12 to 15 July, Douw Grobler, PF South Africa executive director, conducted Sycamore Tree Project®training for 28 second year students at the Methodist seminary in Pietermaritzburg. The four day event included sessions on the impact of crime on society, restorative justice, the role of the church, each of the Sycamore Tree Project®sessions, and a prison visit.

Raising Community Awareness in Swaziland

In April, PF Swaziland participated in an awareness raising event aimed to help community leaders in the country’s Lubombo region understand the proposed community service programme. Organised by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, the meeting included several stakeholders: Correctional services, local chiefs, the Swaziland Association for Crime Prevention and the Rehabilitation of Offenders (SACRO), National Emergency Response Council on HIV/AIDS (NERCHA), and PF Swaziland.

PF Rwanda Receives Grant for Reconciliation Work

Recently, PF Rwanda received a two-year grant from the Embassy of Belgium in Kigali. The grant will support the ministry’s restorative justice activities both in prison and in the community. The goal is to strengthen the understanding of restorative justice at various levels and support peaceful coexistence in communities where those guilty of crimes during the 1994 genocide and survivors are living side-by-side.

Sycamore Tree Project® in Kenya

In mid-March, PF Kenya finished the first Sycamore Tree Project® in Kamiti Medium Security Prison near Nairobi. Nineteen inmates participated in the programme with George Karimi – PF Kenya executive director – and Silas Musyoka serving as facilitators.