Giving young in prison a chance to make a change
Young in Prison (YiP) is a worldwide initiative that sets out to give children in prison a voice and a chance to make a sustainable change in their lives!
YIP is a project that is empowering youth in conflict with the law using the creative arts. The project in Malawi is implemented by Music Crossroads Malawi in the reformatory centres of Kachere, Bzyanzi and Mzuzu. YIP together with CELA has recently engaged in a series of human rights trainings with prison officials working in the above mentioned prisons, aimed at sensitising them to understand and appreciate the young people’s constitutional and human rights.
Music Crossroads is partners with YiP and has volunteers working closely with the children, teaching them a variety of music skills and techniques, as well as implementing life skills such as teamwork, patience, stress management and self-esteem.
On the 10th April 2014, a graduation ceremony was held at Kachere Reformatory Center in Lilongwe, where 61 Contributing to Positive Society (COPOSO) Certificates were issued out to the inmates.
Government representatives attended the event from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Copyright Society of Malawi and some private institutions including local radio and TV, who covered the event.
It was a truly inspirational day!
