Ex-prisoner stands ready to help ‘brothers’

AN ex-prisoner from Buimo Prison has registered a company called BDP (Banis Discharge Prisoners) reintegration services to help prisoners find a better life after serving their terms.
Mason Mai, from Gulf, after being released from prison in 2017, had a heart to help fellow prisoners to allow them a second chance by registering a consultancy company.
“While in prison, I saw a need to help my little brothers, giving them second chance in life since the majority of prisoners in Buimo are below the age of 25,” he said.
“Most of them are young people who still have potential in life but due to life’s struggle and family problems, they end up in prison.
“Also, I have seen some of my brothers after serving long prison terms, they struggled to fit into the community and help their families, so I took the initiative to volunteer and work at Buimo and now, I’m starting my own company.”
Mai said city mission would partner BDP reintegration services to take in juvenile, especially 12 to 18-year-olds, when they were discharged.
He told The National that he was asked by Sgt Arnold Juvai, welfare officer and the former commanding officer of Buimo Correctional Institute Felix Namane, after completing his term in prison to work as prisoners’ reintegration by helping and sourcing help and support from business houses, government agencies, non-government organisations and other individuals.
“After three years of helping and supporting the Buimo CI welfare section, I have now decided to focus on discharged prisoners since they need support as well so that they can lead a productive life back in the community.”