"Violence ends where love begins". Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
The first of its kind, this internationally acclaimed programme is progressive, practical and results oriented, providing innovative and effective solutions to break cycles of violence and escalating crime rates. Over 100,000 people in prisons all over the world, from India to Russia, the US and South Africa, have benefited from the Prison SMART program.
Prison SMART stands for Prison Stress Management and Rehabilitation Training. It is based on Art of Living\\\\\\\'s unique stress management program and is customized to the needs of the prison inmates and to the individuals and institutions that work to end the cycle of violence.
The program helps prisoners in rehabilitation, and to reduce violence and drug dependencies. PrisonSMART teaches life skills that enable individuals to accept responsibility for their past actions and to handle future conflict and stressful situations successfully. Innovative breathing techniques are a cornerstone of the program. This releases the accumulated effects of stress from the nervous system and help participants manage negative emotions in a safe and non-violent manner.
Prison administrators have reported that inmates who have participated in the program exhibit less acting out in confrontational situations and increased cooperation with staff.
The Prison Smart program was first taught in South Africa at the medium section of Leeukop Prisons into South Africa in February 2002. Since then courses have continued at all sections of the prison, including the Medium, Maximum, and Juvenile sections. Soon thereafter the program started in Pollsmoor Prison and in 2005 we have begun teaching at Baviaanspoort Prison.
Reported benefits include:
By gaining the ability to handle stressful situations in a more calm and clear manner, participants finally gain control over their actions to make positive changes in their behaviour and in their lives.
The Prison SMART program has been taught in South Africa from 2002. It
has been very successful over the years. 7 prisons have benefited from
the program nationally.
Gauteng:
1. Leeukop Maximum Medium & Juveniles security
2. Bavianspoort Maximum Medium & Juveniles security
3. Boksburg Maximum Medium & Juveniles security
4. Vereeneging Maximum Medium & Juveniles security
5. JHB Correctional Maximum & Medium security
6. Groenpunt Maximum Medium & Juveniles security
KZN:
7. Westville Maximum & Juveniles security
Western Cape:
8. Pollsmoor Maximum Medium & Juveniles security
Over 5800 prisoners have benefited from the program to date. Prision SMART has
also received great print media coverage over the years which have built up its
crediabilty. The team have also been instrumental in building PS in Zim, Tanzania &
Kenya through recomendations from the 8 prisons in SA.
Experiences
"I used to actually look forward to fights. but now, since doing this course, I'm a totally different person. I can actually walk away from a fight." Inmate, Pollsmoor Prison
"Since doing this programme, my mind doesn't snap like it used to before. I know now that I can live a positive life with no anger whatsoever. I'm not really a person of crime, the only problem was that I was shaking when people irritated me, and my anger started controlling me. But now that's a memory of the past." Inmate, Leeukop Prison
More feedback from an inmate
Feedback from the SA Department of Correctional Services and Baviaanspoort Maximum Correctional Facility
PRISON SMART IN THE NEWS
South African Prisoners embrace yoga - BBC NEWS
Offenders learn stress relieve through smart breathing
Feared 12 year old shows signs of rehabilitation in jail
Breath of hope for convicts, 5 September 2008
Prisoners praise programme, Mhlaba Memela, 25 May 2007
To know more or get involved contact the Prison SMART Coordinators:
| Gauteng | ||
| Chintz Bhana | chintzbhana@worldonline.co.za | 0828778142 |
| Kwazulu Natal | ||
| Vijaylakshmi Sewnarain | avatara@mweb.co.za | 0837777672 |
| Western Cape | ||
| Jatin Gordhan | jatin@artofliving.org.za | 0823383472 |
