Prison Fellowship Namibia (PFN) and Letshego Bank Namibia recently joined forces to bring holiday cheer to nearly 100 families at the Windhoek Correctional Facility’s male section.
The annual Angel Tree initiative, organised by PFN, aims to connect inmates with their loved ones during the festive season.
PFN, a global Prison Ministry, focuses on restoring the dignity of prisoners, supporting their families and facilitating the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-offenders into society.
The organisation relies on donations, fundraising projects and voluntary contributions to carry out various activities, including monthly church services, family visits and the Angel Tree initiative.
Letshego Bank Namibia answered PFN’s call to the public, actively participating in the initiative.
The bank’s chief executive officer Ester Kali expressed gratitude to PFN for their impactful work in restoring hope, and praised the initiatives which bring light to the lives of mothers, sisters, aunts and women in society. “As we approach the festive season, Letshego recognises the critical role correctional facilities play in fostering rehabilitation and societal reintegration. We emphasise the importance of extending support to imprisoned men during this time, acknowledging the transformative impact it can have on their lives. As a believer in the power of compassion and the transformative impact it can have on lives, we felt the need to personally share this very special day with you and your families. This allows us to bridge the gap that often exists between the boardroom and those who are yet to realise their own potential, despite difficult circumstances. Together, we can illuminate the spirit of humanity within correctional facilities, and extend the joy of the season to those who need it most,” she emphasised.
Kali added that celebrating together with those at the correctional facility is a powerful way to affirm the shared humanity they all possess, regardless of one’s past mistakes. It contributes to the broader goals of rehabilitation, reintegration and building a more compassionate and understanding society.
She said everyone deserves a second chance to find a higher power, be it spiritual or personal, that can guide them towards self-discovery and growth. It’s a journey which can significantly impact their mental and emotional well-being, paving the way for rehabilitation and a renewed sense of purpose.
PFN board member Toni Tommasi applauded all sponsors for joining hands to keep such initiatives alive to continue serving its purpose.
“The festive season is a time of reflection, compassion and shared joy. For men in prison, however, it can be a challenging period of separation from their families. Last year, the Angel Tree celebration was held in Windhoek’s female correctional facility, where 19 mothers and 29 children were treated with gifts for the children and toiletries for the mothers,” he noted.
The Angle Tree initiative serves as a beacon of empathy, ensuring that no child feels forgotten during the holiday season. By providing gifts and support to the children of those in prison, sending a powerful message of inclusivity and compassion, it reinforces the bonds that incarceration seeks to strain. In line with their commitment to community engagement, Tommasi called on corporate organisations to consider sponsoring Angle Tree initiatives in future. The positive impact on families, particularly children, is immeasurable. Corporate sponsorship not only extends a lifeline to those in need, but also showcases a commitment to social responsibility and community welfare.
– priscillamukokobi@gmail.com