Description
In 6 years the number of prisoners in Hungary has increased by 24% to more than 18,300. The rate of recidivism is 47%. The prison system focuses on punishment and sanctions. The program will start prison radio in 2 prisons based on the successful pilot program of the Project Promoter at Vác. Their aim is to create a national prison radio network and influence public opinion. Prison radio helps conflict resolution inside prisons and provides inmates with valuable information about prison life, teaches skills and promotes contact with families. It involves civil society and improves the attitude of prison staff. They will train prison staff and civil members to start radio work in two prisons, supervise their work and exchange radio content with them within and outside prison. Jailed men, women and young offenders are their primary target group. Their families and wider society are their indirect target group. The project establishes partnership with the Prison Service and civil organizations.
Summary of project results
Released prisoners have a tremendous task to integrate into society. They are often not able to (antisocial tendencies encouraged by prison life, outdated skills, lack of a supporting community) while the society is unwilling to accept them. The project aims to overcome this double obstacle - by training and mentoring self-governing radio teams of prisoners – so far in 3 prisons in Hungary – to create programs that address problems of incarceration and release by giving voice to inmates, good practices, ex-convicts. - by influencing society through the radio work of released prisoners in outside media – so far in 2 radio outlets. The presenters make good use of the skills they learnt in prison while enjoy the support from the community and widen their social network. By these regular programs and the exceptionally wide media coverage of the project it achieved more than expected and established its sustainability through the efficiently working radio teams in and out of prison.
Summary of bilateral results