Bars to Belonging: Empowering Incarcerated Youth through Creativity and Support

Bars to Belonging is an innovative, transformative initiative by Lost State of Mind that addresses the critical gap in mental health support and skill development for juvenile detainees in Kenya. Operated in Kamiti Maximum Prison for juveniles, this program was designed to foster creativity, build resilience, and instill self-worth by teaching dance, DJ skills, hand embroidery, beadwork, and music production alongside comprehensive mental health education. Through this holistic approach, Bars to Belonging empowers incarcerated youth with essential tools for personal growth and reintegration into society, reducing recidivism and creating pathways for brighter futures.

Creative Skill Development

The program offers various creative outlets that serve as therapeutic and employable skills:

- Dance as a Medium for Healing:

Dance is used to foster emotional release, self-expression, and physical confidence. Participants reconnect with their emotions and bodies in healthy, transformative ways that improve mental well-being, develop self-discipline, and cultivate teamwork.

- DJ and Music Production Workshops:

Through DJ training and music production classes, participants are introduced to the world of sound and rhythm, offering them a creative outlet and potential career paths in the music industry. These workshops promote creativity, focus, and hands-on technical skills.

- Hand Embroidery and Beadwork:

Participants learn intricate craftsmanship through embroidery and beadwork, which instills patience, focus, and attention to detail. These skills provide participants with the potential to create small businesses or pursue self-employment, offering tangible symbols of personal progress and growth.

Community, Mentorship, and Belonging

The program is more than just a set of skills—it creates a sense of community and belonging:

- Mentorship:

Led by professional artists, therapists, and community volunteers, Bars to Belonging provides a supportive environment where participants can trust, collaborate, and feel understood.

- Peer Support:

Participants form bonds with each other, building social support networks that contribute to personal and emotional growth.

- Reintegration Support:

By the end of the program, participants are equipped with transferable skills, emotional tools, and newfound confidence to reintegrate into society and avoid the cycle of re-offending.

Societal Impact

Grounded in evidence-based research, Bars to Belonging aims to create long-term societal savings by reducing reliance on welfare and correctional systems. By fostering healing and equipping participants with life skills, the program seeks to:

1.Reduce Recidivism: By providing participants with coping strategies and employable skills, the likelihood of re-offending is reduced.

2.Enhance Employability: Participants leave with marketable skills that can lead to employment or entrepreneurial opportunities.

3.Break Mental Health Stigma: By promoting mental health education, Bars to Belonging fosters a more open, supportive environment both within and outside the prison system.

4.Empower Young Women: Female participants receive specialized support and training to address trauma and promote gender equity.

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Bars To Belonging