Problems:

In March 2020, all penitentiary institutions (PIs) closed their doors to the outside world. And we have ceased to be able to provide our services. Thousands of prisoners were left with their own problems and worries. We returned to the understanding that peer-to-peer counseling services should be integrated into prison services.

PIs were also closed for educational and psychosocial service providers. The most vulnerable in this situation became imprisoned children who had to go to school, and after them other prisoners who were involved in behavior change programs, professional courses, etc.

Solutions:

We started looking for funds for a pilot project to train and hire peer-to-peer consultants. We prepare it, won it and started implementation. Moreover, we turned to all our partners and donors, and also applied for all possible grants for technical support in order to resolve the issue of access to educational services online.

Results:

In July 2021, 46 prisoners completed their studies, 8 of them were recruited. The pilot project will run until December 31, 2021. For a month and a half, the consultants managed to provide assistance to 134 prisoners.

We have equipped 13 penitentiary institutions (out of 17 throughout the country), the Therapeutic Community from PI-9 Pruncul and the central office of the National Penitentiary Administration. Now all prisoners have access to educational courses, informative events. We constantly practice general events for the whole country. In total, the cost of all equipment was more than 30,000 euros.