Society having incorrect opinion towards probationers and former convicts

One of the main direction of the Institute of Democracy project for strengthening former inmates considers supporting former inmates and probationers. The project supports beneficiaries’ self-employment, which foresees launching and development of their own enterprise with small funding. Former inmates will be employed in their own enterprises, which finally greatly contributes to increasing their family incomes and further strengthening.

22-year old beneficiary Akaki Bukia is one of the beneficiaries being supported with the project. He runs a small-size bakery, contacting the organization “Tanaziari” after having been informed about small grant from his friends. He developed a project and was involved in the project supporting former inmates, inmates’ families and probationers. He purchases the equipment necessary for the bakery with a small grant.

His becoming a probationer is related to once uncertain occasion. While clubbing with friends, being in drunken condition he had some disagreement with friends. According to him, often an incorrect opinion is formed towards probationers among the society. Frequently, he is denied employment due to previous convictions, in such cases people mostly get desperate, though if you become active and do your job – nothing will stop you – says Akaki.

According to beneficiary, not only financial support is of utmost importance, but also moral support, which lead former convicts to action and active steps.

“Support is very important, as the convicts despite the fact that they have already served sentence are not still considered as full members of the society by the society. Project for strengthening former inmates are directed help you to become aware that you belong to the society, not being different from them. Most important, you must not be afraid of others’ opinion” – says Akaki.

Akaki is a new student, willing to start a new Developer Company in the future, his profession being related to it.

Project for strengthening former inmates is implemented by the Institute of Democracy together with partner organizations in four regions with the support of the European Union. Project together with the Institute of Democracy is also implemented by Guria Youth Resource Center, Tanaziari and Abkhazinterkont.