Freedom and Death Inside the Jail.pdf - The Action Program for ...

it felt so good I actually cried. So did my mother.” Getting such
an honor, continues Nestor, made him realize the meaning and
purpose of his existence.
Self-Reformation
Many inmates believe that genuine reformation should come
from within. The penal institution can only show them the door;
they have to open and walk through it. Thus, they take advantage
of the Jail’s programs to put their talents and skills to good use.
After all, there are inmates who are licensed nurses, lawyers,
and even priests. Those who have a college degree volunteer in
the Jail’s Functional Literacy Class as instructors. Former drug
dependents become counselors to fellow inmates.
These inmates get affirmation for their good deeds during recognition
programs, where management gives awards to those who
have been active in the Jail’s projects. The awardees are made role
models for the other inmates.
Community Values
Pot: Empowerment and Excesses
Through the structures, inmates have transformed themselves
into a closely-knit community. More than a leader, the mayores is
seen by inmates as a “father” who looks after their welfare. The
jail officers are endearingly called tata (father) or nana (mother).
The senior inmates are called tatay even if they are much younger.
Inmate teachers are appropriately addressed as “sir” or “professor.”
Respect, in other words, is accorded every inmate depending on
the position he holds in the community.
Basketball fosters harmonious
relationship among inmates
from different brigades.
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