Prison journalism: My journey of self-discovery and transformation

During my time in the slammer, I have often struggled with my identity. Who am I and what am I? However, there are so many routes to take. Remember that there are no gangs in the prison system of ZAR, and that is a commendable achievement. Gang culture is huge in prison, but it doesn’t overflow into our prisons.

The path to transformation

There are so many cultures, and one would think that would be the easiest way to link to safety. There is an amazing program known to assist victims and perpetrators. It began with an invite to the Alpha Course. Naturally, what first attracted me was the lure of cookies and juice or coffee, depending on the weather. Wow, that’s every week for six months. Then from there, we met the amazing volunteers from all walks of life who came to sit with and among us hardened criminals and remind us that there is love out there, and we are not being judged.

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Self-reflections

I can be my own worst enemy or my own best friend, with or without the world. I and a bunch of ex-offenders have been granted the opportunity to come together and encourage and criticize each other, pushing the boundaries and ensuring that our thought patterns don’t waver anywhere near the negative.

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Expanding horizons

That was the easy part, as with the sport and arts and culture tours that I went on. I saw big, bad-ass fellows crying, and it was clear that the purpose of the whole Restorative Justice program was to allow us to find peace and closure for the victims, to remove the clouds from above our heads. I still attend the Restore program outside, and I have managed to stay out of prison due to this movement.

Had I not joined the cookie parade, I would no doubt be a different person, not conscious or caring. Never mindful.

Be at peace, Lindsey, Lisa Celeste, and all the other volunteers, thanks for the space to be me and for your saving.

DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received

RESTORE is an NGO based in Cape Town, South Africa, providing inmates at Pollsmoor Prison with restorative justice opportunities.

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