BACKGROUND In Africa, incarceration rates are on the rise. In Kenya, in 2015 the overall crime recorded increased to 72,490 as compared to 69,376 cases in 2014. Records from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and the International Prisons Institute show that the rate of criminal recidivism is between 60% – 80% and within three years of being released. The same data indicates that the same people face conviction for the same crime over and over again.
BACKGROUND Espartanos Africa is an initiative in South-South Cooperation. It is modeled on the Fundaciรณn Espartanos, Argentina, founded in 2009. Evidence in Argentina over the last five years has shown that without the rugby program 64% of inmates fall back into crime and prison. Through the Espartanos program the rate of recidivism is only 5%. The 4 pillar model of Rugby,
Spirituality, Education and
Reintegration is a holistic model adaptable to distinct cultures and socio-economic dynamics.
ESPARTANOS AFRICA
REASON FOR BEING Vision Dignity and Humanity for All Values Solidarity,
Freedom, Respect, and Inclusion
Mission Empower
and transform lives in prisons and society in Africa
Objectives To reduce crime and criminal recidivism in Africa
FOUR PILLARS #1 Rugby Coaching to instill the rugby ethos of solidarity, respect, and discipline
#2 Spirituality to share, to seek, and to encourage forgiveness
#3 Education to complete primary and secondary school studies and to engage in the process of personal growth
#4 Work Ethic to create job opportunities for
effective reintegration and participation in society
PILLAR #1 RUGBY COACHING Espartanos Africa launched it’s pilot program on 9
March
2019 starting rugby with a group of volunteers, players and
coaches in Nairobi, Kenya at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison Espartanos Africa is committed to world class rugby standards for the volunteers, players, and coaches. The Kenya Rugby Union coaches the players and volunteers in
World Rugby modules upon the completion of which they receive certificates.
THE MIGHTY ZEBRAS On 26 April 2019, seven weeks from the launch twenty players from Kamiti Maximum Security Prison formed the
Mighty Zebras. Since, the players have received no disciplinary complaints by the wardens and inspired others to join.
“This is the genesis of something very huge in prison and everyone seems to be loving it. The Zebras are the first rugby team in prison. In life it doesn’t matter how many times you fall but how many times you stand up. A second chance is now possible for all of us.” Daniel Otieno Omondi, Captain, Mighty Zebras
THE MIGHTY ZEBRAS
PILLAR #1 RUGBY COACHING - CURRENT CONDITIONS The Mighty Zebras train daily on the only ground available to them with minimal equipment and athletic wear, exposing themselves to injuries through unsafe play. Donations towards safe play have started to come in for the Mighty Zebras. They are awarded on the demonstration of team spirit and merit. The same standard for donations will apply across the program. With Steffon Armitage, former England National Rugby Player and European MVP, donating rugby boots from the Barefoot Foundation.
PILLAR #1 RUGBY COACHING IMPROVING CONDITIONS Donations of rugby equipment and athletic clothing are
appreciated and will be directed towards ensuring safe play as the program expands. Requirements include: Sports kit - shoes, shorts, shirts, socks Protective gear – headgear, gum guards, first aid kits Training equipment – crash bags, tackle bags, crash mats, balls, pumps, whistles, bibs, cones, artificial portable grass mats
Rugby Pitch Espartanos Africa will construct a rugby pitch at Kamiti Maximum Security in collaboration with the prison and national prison authorities. The pitch will be a player and volunteer led initiative to instill ownership. It will be accessible to the adjacent medium security prison, wardens, and other prison-based sporting teams and it will be the home base for the future teams coming to visit and play against the Mighty Zebras. Requirements and costs to be provided.
PILLAR #2 SPIRITUALITY Authentic sharing of life stories during every session between
players, prison workers and volunteers creates an atmosphere of compassion and no-judgment. Classes at the prison such as Compassion of the Heart and Healing the Heart of the Wound encourage honesty and empathy on the path to forgiveness.
PILLAR # 3 EDUCATION •
To participate in the rugby program, the players must be enrolled in educational courses academic and/or technical
•
Education builds the players’ self respect, confidence, knowledge, skills and allows them to dream bigger than their circumstance
•
Kamiti offers a variety of educational and programs to partake in, but many other prisons lack the necessary funding.
•
Espartanos Africa collaborates with The Father Grol Welfare Trust in improving education. The Trust has a program across prisons in Kenya that addresses the disparity in textbooks, technical material for vocational training, reference books, and other school supplies. It also helps register candidates to sit for exams and further their education qualifications.
PILLAR #4 REINTEGRATION – THE CHALLENGES The stigma and stereotypes mark the ex detainees as scapegoats for many of the community problems and unsuitable for employment. A lack of after-care support leaves detainees without supervision and responsible for reintegrating themselves Moral rejection from containment and loss of freedom in prison perpetuate a fear of acceptance and belonging, causing low self esteem and inability to successfully settle into a new life.
PILLAR #4 REINTEGRATION – GOALS Espartanos Africa is developing its structure to become a
transition point for players who leave prison and are not immediately employable; a place where they volunteer to grow the program and receive a stipend
Espartanos Africa will encourage and support players to join and/or form their own rugby clubs in countries across the continent Espartanos Africa will invest in establishing enterprises in the service industry to employ the players when they leave prison Requirements and costs to be provided.
PROJECTIONS FOR AFRICA 2019 - 2029 2019 – 2021 3 prisons in Nairobi applying all 4 pillars 2022 – 2023 At least 1 prison in at least 3 rugby playing cities in Kenya 2024 –2026 At least 3 prisons in Southern Africa Countries being considered include Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe 2027 – 2029 At least 3 prisons in Northern Africa. Countries being considered include Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Tunisia
ESPARTANOS AFRICA “Espartanos Africa has a responsibility towards peace on the continent. Transforming one life has the power to break the cycle of criminal activity that passes down generations and to overcome fear and judgment with compassion.” Zaynah Khanbhai President - Espartanos Africa
“The players show great intelligence in learning rugby and embracing the values. They are committed to improve every week and to show off their progress, Their solidarity and respect is touching and a great source of pride for me.” Paul Odera Rugby Director - Espartanos Africa Kenya National Team Rugby Coach Kenya National U20 Rugby Coach Former Kenya Rugby 7’s Captain
www.espartanosafrica.org info@espartanosafrica.org @espartanosafrica