SOCIETY tends to ostracise, sideline and look down on prisoners and ex-prisoners. Initiated by NGO Malaysian Care, the YouTurn Project aims to change this view.
> What is the YouTurn Project?
The YouTurn Project aims to inspire people from all walks of life to change their views, perspectives and actions towards prisoners and ex-prisoners in Malaysia. “You” refers to everyone, having their lives “Turn”-ed into a more accepting, forgiving and inspiring society.
> Who is behind the YouTurn Project?
YouTurn Project is led by Malaysian CARE, a non-profit Christian NGO in Malaysia, committed to serving the poor and needy, irrespective of religion and ethnicity. Malaysian CARE focuses on empowering communities, aims for their long term sustainable development and works as partner to the people we serve.
> What is the YouTurn Project’s long term objective?
The project aspires to motivate and rebuild the lives of ex-offenders by encouraging society to give them a second chance and a helping hand to earn an honest living; and enable them to reintegrate well into society.
> What are the project’s core values?
1) Promotes equal opportunity for ex-offenders in their daily lives
2) Recognises that family reconciliation builds a strong foundation for ex-offenders
3) Inspires community acceptance to support the reintegration of ex-offenders
> Why is this project important?
Employment and acceptance are the main keys to successfully integrating former prisoners back into society. Having a job decreases recidivism among non-violent offenders and liberates them from negative cycles.
> What is recidivism?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, recidivism is a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behaviour especially: relapse into criminal behaviour. The Malaysian Prisons Department considers it recidivism if there are further offences within three years of release from prison.
> How can You help?
If You resonate with what YouTurn Project stands for, make a difference by supporting us in the following ways:
→ Create awareness in social media, mainstream media, schools, higher learning institutions, workplaces, in your neighbourhood, community, etc.
→ Share your personal supportive message on your social media platforms with the hashtag #YouTurn and get your friends to share it too.
For instance you could say “Ex-offenders deserve a second chance and I support the reintegration of ex-offenders into society. I would like to invite my friends @kelly @jeremytan and @anisha to support this initiative too. Share your personal message with the hashtag #YouTurn.”
→ Make a personal commitment towards supporting and advocating for reintegration, and influence change at policy level. More details will be published via social media. Follow us and stay tuned!
For more information:
Facebook: facebook.com/MsianCare
Instagram: @msiancare
Call: 03-9212 0162 and ask for a Prison Coordinating Team (PCT) representative
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