My week in Prague at the ICPA (International Corrections and Prisons Association) Conference demonstrated clearly that Khulisa’s work, particularly in the area of restorative justice and diversion is truly world class and that we have the potential to become a real leader in terms of setting trends through our innovative work.
However, all this will take is money!
During my week at the conference I met many interesting people from 54 different countries around the world and participated in workshops that ranged from offender reintegration, diversion, restorative justice, appreciative enquiry, UK prison programmes, programmes in the Dominican Republic, Belgium and the United States, family constellation, drug-free centres, the latest in correctional development and multiple community-based initiatives.
I also had the pleasure of visiting a woman’s prison approximately 2 hours from Prague. I believe this is one of the most advanced prisons I have ever been to with a fully equipped gynecological and dentistry centre!
Through my networking we have been exposed to many additional opportunities for expansion of Khulisa in both Europe and America.
In London I finalised our fundraising strategy for our pilot Silence the Violence programme next year. We are particularly excited that South Africa House will be hosting a Khulisa fundraising event in February, during which time Nanette will be doing the training for our local facilitators in Silence the Violence.
I am very grateful to Donna and Nanette who have agreed to spend a week in the UK (between the 10th and 17th November) in order to formalise our programmes so that we can commence with our pilot in early February 2009.
Khulisa is a proudly ‘made in South Africa’ brand that I only have to thank all our incredible staff for contributing to and being part of.
LESLEY ANN
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