Many people believe that criminals should be locked up and the keys thrown away

The reality however is that in South Africa almost every person behind bars will one day return to society. Pretending that these individuals don't exist, unfortunately does more harm than good to the rehabilitation process.

There are also people who believe that criminals come to prison TO BE punished and that rehabilitation is Correctional Services' responsibility. Neither of which are true.

Offenders come to prison AS THEIR punishment, not TO BE punished and although Correctional Services now places greater emphasis on rehabilitation than ever before, they cannot be expected to, nor do they have the resources or manpower to focus on security issues, skills development and rehabilitation for every individual behind bars.

Rehabilitation of individual offenders is a complex issue and relies on the co-operation of Correctional Services, the individuals themselves, and input from society. Most of all we believe that rehabilitation relies on healing broken lives and reinstating moral principles and family values back into the lives of individuals.

There is absolutely no doubt that crime and violence causes much pain, loss and in many cases anger, on the part of the victim. The natural reaction is to want the perpetrator to feel the pain that you feel too. But we need to look beyond the one act itself...

In South Africa we have a recidivism rate of over 70%. That means that at least 70% of ex-offenders are recommitting crimes, being caught once again, and returning to a life behind bars. Each time they return to prison they spend more time (24 hours a day) with other like-minded individuals and in many cases learn even more about other criminal activities. This is why Correctional Centres are often referred to as "Universities of Crime."

In many cases, each time they return to prison, the crime they have committed is worse than the previous one. So by changing just ONE life we can effectively prevent a more serious crime from being committed.

But we don't just wish to see ONE life changed, we wish to impact the masses behind bars. We also don't believe that any of us can reach deep inside the inner man and heal their hurts and brokenness and restore them as valuable contributors to society. We believe that only Jesus can do that.

Through radio and television we are able to open platforms for true change to impact their hearts and minds. By providing tailor-made programmes that are RELEVANT to those behind bars, we ensure their active participation in their own rehabilitation and moral rejuvenation process.