SERVICE PROGRAMMES » PRISON SMART
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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:
- measurable and sustained reductions in violence, anger, rebelliousness, depression, fear and feelings of isolation
- reduction in recidivism (i.e. the continued return of former inmates to prison)
- improved sleeping patterns
- ability to accept responsibility for past actions and
- ability to handle conflict and stressful situations non-violently
- improved confidence and self-control
- measurable and sustained reductions in smoking and alcohol abuse
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
PRISON SMART IN THE NEWS
Breath of hope for convicts, 5 September 2008: Page 1 | Page 2
Perfecting the fine art of Living, article in The Star, April 2005
Prisoners praise programme, Mhlaba Memela, 25 May 2007
Prison SMART teachers:
| Gauteng | ||
| Chintz Bhana | chintzbhana@worldonline.co.za | 082 877 8142 |
| Christelle Morgan | christelle@artofliving.org.za | 076 225 7679 |
| Kwazulu Natal | ||
| Vijaylakshmi Sewnarain | avatara@mweb.co.za | 083 777 7672 |
| Senika Harinarain | senikaharinarain@webmail.co.za | 082 371 7136 |
| Western Cape | ||
| Jeremy Midgley | mwjmidg@mweb.co.za | 083 264 9484 |
| Dana Labi | danalabi@yahoo.com | 073 536 6151 |
| Pramilla Vassen | pramilla@artofliving.org.za | 084 800 3355 |