Monday 17th November 2008, 00:40The Inspire Kamlangjai Project Last year I had an invitation to visit Bangkok. During my visit I took the chance to visit I heard about an amazing project that was taking place in the Thai prisons. The project is led by Princess Bajrakitiyabha who as a law student visited a Bangkok and was shocked by what she saw. She developed a very simple vision for what she wanted.
Kamlangjai is ….
A thought from afar
A shoulder to lean on
A helping hand
Knowing that everything’s not lost
At the heart of the project is a real commitment from the whole community to find a way that they can help to rebuild the lives of the prisoners. State funds are very tight and cover little other than a meal a day for the prisoners. Examples of doctors educated abroad, a mechanic, a successful student all able to find their way to support this group who are usually that last in line for any compassion. Priority support is for the children born in prison who are guilty of nothing.
Main message of the project is “Hope starts here”
At the World Prison Conference held in Prague last month Simon Newberry and I were invited to speak and share the great work done by our own OLASS teams. The work of A4e is developing vocational skills and preparation for work was held us as an example of best practice. We had many countries expressing an interest in our concept of the “Working Wing”. This development will be watched closely by a number of governments who recognise the growing issue around, skills, re-offending and worklessness.
There is so much to be done in this area and yet the funding is tighter than any other part of public service. Therefore I believe we are right to focus on innovation and community/employer engagement to find solutions.
Thanks
Roy
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