Reintegration through Creativity

We remain convinced that creative work can have a remarkable impact in the context of rehabilitation. A prerequisite for this is a mindset that transcends everyday thought patterns. This is where the paths of the creative mind and everyday creativity diverge. The former often manifests as emotional turmoil in recognized geniuses—an observation that can also be applied to some extent to our students, although in their case the impression is less one of genius and more one of hurt.

We foster a form of everyday creativity that does not aim for material gain, but rather for self-realization and inner healing.

For some time now, the psychological recovery of inmates has played a significant role in discussions about prison reform. Understanding psychological trauma is reflected in our Creative Writing course. Creative writing can be a powerful tool for processing personal experiences and gaining new perspectives. We utilize Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET, Schauer, Neuner & Elbert) – a method that helps participants organize and emotionally process traumatic memories. This ability has a noticeably positive impact on the daily lives of the inmates.

We often hear statements like: "If this program, made possible by the supporting association, hadn't come to me, I would have lost all will to live." We are aware that words don't always translate directly into actions. But even taking the step of helping someone out of a dark and brooding environment is a success – one that wouldn't be possible without your support.

Creativity thrives on positive thoughts, nurtured by personality and environment. The more a person develops their creative potential, the less room there is for destructive thoughts.

Of course, we know that creativity is difficult to describe comprehensively. Our students, however, repeatedly encounter this phenomenon in a surprisingly simple way: They face reality, reject false assumptions, and practice steering their thinking in positive directions – even if putting this into practice in everyday life often remains a challenge. Nevertheless, our women are increasingly spending more time in the "right" realm of their thoughts.

As the association's year draws to a close, we would like to emphasize how gratifyingly social interaction has developed in the women's prison. We are experiencing a noticeable increase in mutual kindness and respect. Those who receive a kind word usually pass it on – a small cycle of humanity that remarkably sustains itself. New arrivals, in particular, often notice this change with surprise – and hope.

And we have just learned of a success achieved as a result.

Often, it is only small things that lead to success. One former inmate struggled after her release almost a year ago. Her daughter is also having a difficult time, as she was in the middle of her apprenticeship while her mother was imprisoned.

It was about four months ago. The released woman visited our project manager in Nairobi. She told us about setbacks and complained about the difficulties of daily life. She asked for some money to try and become self-employed despite everything. In a small shop in Machakos, she started selling grain and pulses. To make a long story short, one day a man bought some corn and beans, they got to talking, and the simplest thing in the world took over. A sense of connection.

Looking back, we can speak of a success story, in which all of you, dear friends of the Supporters' Association, have played a part. With no small amount of pride, we now close the file of this former inmate and lay it aside to gather dust.

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We continue to strive to implement the lessons learned. This is especially important because the relevant authorities highly value our influence on reintegration and prison reform.

This approach is only possible with your support, which is why we earnestly request further donations. Be mindful of the gratitude of the nameless, for:

The only truly important thing in life is the trace of love

we leave behind when we go.

Albert Schweitzer