Youth Justice: Transforming Lives through Poultry Farming and PowerSpaces
BECOMING A YMCA VOLUNTEER
24/07/2024
YMCA Bulawayo at ZITF: Building Partnerships to Empower Youth through the Y-Justice Program
24/07/2024
At the Percy Ibbotson Rehabilitation Institution in Zimbabwe led by Zimbabwe YMCA, a remarkable transformation began with six determined boys embarking on a poultry project. These young men, part of Cohort One and Two, received a total of $600 to kickstart their business—$400 for Cohort One and $200 for Cohort Two. With guidance and support from the patrons at Percy Ibbotson Probation Hostel, they were equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
The journey started with the purchase of 100 broiler birds, feed, and vaccines. Despite initial setbacks with immature birds in their first batch, the boys persevered, learning valuable lessons and gaining confidence with each step. Their dedication paid off as they managed to repay $400 of the initial $600 startup funds to the YMCA.
One of the boys shared, "The training was a good opportunity which incited us to do more about our lives and our future." This newfound optimism was shared among the group, showing that being in an institution was not the end of the road but a chance to correct past mistakes and prepare for a brighter future.
Since receiving the funds in April 2021, they have completed three batches of broiler birds, each more successful than the last. The third batch matured perfectly, promising a significant sale and further cementing their newfound business acumen. The boys are now equipped with business management skills and a solid understanding of chicken farming, ready to integrate back into the community and sustain themselves.
The poultry project was part of a larger initiative to expand the PowerSpaces methodology, initially designed for young people in low-income situations, to include youth in incarceration. This expansion saw the program reach three rehabilitation centers in Bulawayo: Luveve Girls Rehabilitation Hostel, Percy Ibbotson Remand Hostel, and Bulawayo Prison.
PowerSpaces aimed to engage the youth through activities that build self-awareness and skills, eventually linking them to opportunities for effective reintegration into society. Since April 2022, PowerSpaces sessions at Percy Ibbotson Remand Hostel have focused on encouraging behavior change and addressing issues such as bullying and drug abuse. The success of these sessions has paved the way for similar programs at Luveve Girls Hostel and within Bulawayo Prisons.
YMCA staff also implemented PowerSpaces for young inmates nearing release from Bulawayo Prisons. Cohort Seven of this prototype project consisted of 26 young men who underwent four days of training in entrepreneurship and financial literacy, culminating in a graduation ceremony attended by prison officers—a positive indication of the program’s acceptance by prison authorities. Graduates were awarded certificates and essential items like petroleum jelly, bar soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, ensuring their comfort as they transitioned back into society.
The success of the poultry project at Percy Ibbotson and the broader PowerSpaces initiative highlights the potential of rehabilitation programs to transform lives. With continued support and opportunities, these young people can overcome their pasts and build promising futures.
