Prison Project
Education and family support for successful reintegration
The Prison Project supports detainees to reintegrate into their communities through a tailored version of Tostan’s Community Empowerment Program (CEP). Participants learn about human rights and acquire practical skills to start income-generating activities. The program also facilitates family mediations to help former detainees rebuild relationships and reintegrate smoothly after release.
The Prison Project is currently active in nine men’s and women’s prisons across Senegal.
Prisons across Senegal (Dakar, Diourbel, Thiès, Kaolack, Tambacounda, and Ziguinchor)
Countries
Years of experience
What's at Stake
In countries where we work, state prisons often lack water, toilets, adequate space for living and recreation, and medical services. They also usually lack organized rehabilitation activities for prisoners. Without education or reintegration support, the risk of reoffending remains high.
The Prison Project responds to this challenge by providing access to education, dialogue, and personal development within prison settings. It operates under international frameworks that encourage partnerships between correctional institutions and organizations like Tostan to promote rehabilitation and successful reintegration.
Through these partnerships, detainees gain the tools and confidence to rebuild their lives, reconnect with their families, and contribute positively to their communities after release.
What We're Doing
Within the modified Community Empowerment Program (CEP), trained facilitators lead sessions in prisons that cover:
- Human rights and civic responsibility.
- Hygiene, health, and problem-solving.
- Literacy and numeracy.
- Preparation for reintegration and entrepreneurship.
Upon release, participants receive support to start small businesses and apply the knowledge gained during their training. Family mediation sessions, conducted before and after release, help restore trust and strengthen social reintegration.
Impact and sustainability
Within the modified Community Empowerment Program (CEP), trained facilitators lead sessions in prisons that cover:
- Human rights and civic responsibility.
- Hygiene, health, and problem-solving.
- Literacy and numeracy.
- Preparation for reintegration and entrepreneurship.
Upon release, participants receive support to start small businesses and apply the knowledge gained during their training. Family mediation sessions, conducted before and after release, help restore trust and strengthen social reintegration.