Prison Journalism: From Chains to change

I still remember the day I walked out of those gates, feeling like a part of me had been left behind. The chains that bound me were not just physical, but also emotional and mental. For years I was trapped in a cycle of negativity and darkness, very hopelessness and despair, but on that day I knew that I had to make a choice: to continue down the road of evil and destruction, or to choose to move on a journey to restore myself.

The darkness before dawn

Growing up in the ghetto, I was always surrounded with violence, crime, and poverty. It was a harsh reality that seemed impossible to escape or to let go off. I thought it would bring me a name and respect, or a sense of belonging, but those choices just made it hard. It led me down a dark road, a road that resulted in being caught behind bars, and now sit with a big set back of a criminal record.

A fresh start

But prison was not the end of my story; in fact, it was the beginning of a new chapter in my life. It was when I realize the ripple effect of a stupid choice I’ve made that hurt not only me, but also my loved once and community. The thing is, I knew I had to make a change before it’s way too late.

Like they say (“spyt kom agter naa”), but I didn’t know where to start because I’m not familiar with the positive world.

The power of transformation and importance of mentorship

Through my training at Chrysalis Academy, a program that offers me a chance to transform and shape my life through the three months residential program, the program focuses on the holistic of the human spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and most important physically.

It is an intense program with loads of life skills and challenges. It’s just a life changing program, and I was also motivated to be part since I was still on correctional probation. I was one of the luckiest people to get such an opportunity since the criteria is so strict. 

It was there also where I meet this amazing people that played a very big role In the change in my life, a big thanks to Lisa Marqua-Harries that introduced me to Dr Meyer CEO of Chrysalis Academy, and Lana Fortuin, placement officer and aftercare, that gave me a chance and believed I could make an impact and change. And through Dr Meyer I was introduced to Ms Kenna Cornie, psychologist at the Chrysalis Academy, and they all became family.

All was through the help of Lisa that guided me since day one I’ve met her in prison while she was doing programs with the inmates on the juvenile inmates of Pollsmoor prison.

The guidance to the light

Under their guidance, I began to unfold the wrongs and negativity of my past, to confront the demons that been haunting me for so many years. I also learned that about the importance of being mindful, self-awareness, and to look after yourself. I also realized that I had the power to choose a different road that can lead me to positivity and purposeful meaning.

But the journey was never said to be easy. There was so many times when I felt like giving up, when the past started pressuring me. I remember it was so painful, but it was during that moments that I remembered why I started that road in the first place. I remembered my friends I had lost and my loved ones hurt while being behind bars. It felt like a huge mistake and the life I’ve wasted.

Giving back to the youth

It’s been a very difficult and challenging journey, but rewarding also. I knew that I couldn’t turn the time back, but I also knew that through my journey and my experiences, I could make a positive impact. I was identified by the CEO of Chrysalis Academy to be the first youth hub Ambassador to pilot the program, working as a Youth Hub Ambassador, working with youth at risk, knowing if I share my story and teaching the youth about the importance of making positive choices in life, also making them aware of the wrong choices and the consequences.

Aware of the change

I’m aware I’m not the same person I used to be after walking through the gates into the outside world. I’m stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. I’ve learned to forgive myself and to also let go of my past. I’m most important embrace the present.

My journey is not special, but it’s my true story, and I hope with reading this story it could at least reach one person to at least make a change or to not make such bad choices, and I hope it could inspire others to take control and make sure they never give up because everything seems impossible until it’s done.

Should you wish to assist in the rehabilitation of former inmates and help put money into the pockets of those who have struggled to earn a living during and after incarceration, click HERE 

This project in collaboration with RESTORE currently works with formerly incarcerated young men in the communities.

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