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Currently, transition support for individuals who are coming out of prison in Tunisia is extremely limited, which leaves vulnerable and stigmatized individuals on their own in the difficult search for stable jobs, safe housing, and supportive communities following their release. This challenge has resulted in a nearly 40 percent recidivism rate in Tunisia. In addition, overpopulation in prisons has reached an average of 127 percent, an alarming number giving the ongoing pandemic. A striking 57 percent of incarcerated persons are in pre-trial detention, and thousands of them are detained for minor, nonviolent crimes such as possession of illegal drugs. Maak was founded to advocate for a justice system that rehabilitates rather than solely punishes those who violate the law, and that supports individuals who have served their time and seek to follow a better path.
Maak subscribes to the principle of "Nothing About Us Without Us," which argues that social interventions must be conducted with the full and direct participation of groups impacted by those activities. Thus, Maak believes it is imperative to ask for the opinions and advice of individuals who have spent time in prison and experienced the challenges of reintegration.
Maak will conduct eight focus groups in six regions of Tunisia, with the goal of interviewing 64 former prisoners in total. The conversations will explore the most significant challenges former detainees face after prison release, as well as potential “ingredients” for successful reentry into society. The findings will inform our future programming and will also be made available to the public.
The cost of this activity will be relatively low because, in an effort to build internal capacity, Maak team members will conduct the focus groups themselves. Our $2,000 goal was calculated on the basis of activity costs only, such as participant compensation, venue rental, printing, and staff transportation and lodging. Maak staff are not yet being compensated for their time.
It is always difficult for new organizations to compete with more established players to secure funding, without being able to point to past accomplishments. Your support will enable Maak to start building a track record of purposeful activities, and set us on a path toward accomplishing the criminal justice reform that Tunisia so urgently needs.
Maak subscribes to the principle of "Nothing About Us Without Us," which argues that social interventions must be conducted with the full and direct participation of groups impacted by those activities. Thus, Maak believes it is imperative to ask for the opinions and advice of individuals who have spent time in prison and experienced the challenges of reintegration.
Maak will conduct eight focus groups in six regions of Tunisia, with the goal of interviewing 64 former prisoners in total. The conversations will explore the most significant challenges former detainees face after prison release, as well as potential “ingredients” for successful reentry into society. The findings will inform our future programming and will also be made available to the public.
The cost of this activity will be relatively low because, in an effort to build internal capacity, Maak team members will conduct the focus groups themselves. Our $2,000 goal was calculated on the basis of activity costs only, such as participant compensation, venue rental, printing, and staff transportation and lodging. Maak staff are not yet being compensated for their time.
It is always difficult for new organizations to compete with more established players to secure funding, without being able to point to past accomplishments. Your support will enable Maak to start building a track record of purposeful activities, and set us on a path toward accomplishing the criminal justice reform that Tunisia so urgently needs.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jennifer Rowland
Beneficiary