Victim Empathy Course 

Niet Jan-Willems favoriete onderdeel, maar een groepsfoto maken hoort er natuurlijk bij! 📸
Cursusverzorgers zitten (enigszins opgelaten) als echte VIP’s, deelnemers eromheen.

Sessie 1 ✅ in 2 gevangenissen gegeven.
Sessie 2 & 3? Die doen de deelnemers zelf, want ze zijn hiervoor getraind!
Sessie 4 staat deze week op de planning 🗓️

Het stond zelfs in het nieuws in Malawi:

BVUMBWE YOUNG OFFENDERS AWARDED CERTIFICATES FOR COMPLETING VICTIM EMPATHY COURSE

Report by  Sgt. Mary Chisale, Public Relation Officer, Bvumbwe YORC

Bvumbwe Young Offenders Rehabilitation Centre celebrated a milestone on February 25, 2026, as 35 inmates received certificates for completing a four-session Victim Empathy Course. The course that was organised by Prison Fellowship Malawi has a very great significant as Restorative Justice concerns.

The first session that covered the introduction to restorative justice made inmates fully aware of what the program was all about and its positive impact. The second session talked more about crime and its effects teaching the Offenders the difference between the criminal justice system and the restorative justice system, making them aware that restorative justice is there to make sure the harm that was caused by the offenders is repaired.

One victim was brought to the inmates with his story, making them understand the pain victims feel.

The third session was all about the value of taking responsibility. This taught them that they should always take active responsibility for the damage they had caused, and the active responsibility is actually apologising and repairing for what they did but not denying, blaming others, or minimising what they did.

The final session focused on peace and making amends, covering confession and repentance. Inmates learned that repentance involves acknowledging their actions and starting anew, both during and after prison life. Making amends brings peace to offenders, victims, and those affected.

Jan Willem Bath and Sebastian Thom, Prison Fellowship Malawi RJ project coordinator, the stations RJ facilitors delivered the course to the inmates, and their active participation earned them certificates.

The station's Officer-in-Charge, Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Ms. Patuma Chalimba  praised Prison Fellowship Malawi's efforts, saying the prison department needs partners like them to teach inmates that life after prison is possible

"Use what you've learned, change, and share it with others," she urged, smiling as a testament that she was happy for them.

The course has a positive impact, and the inmates are now equipped to spread the word about restorative justice and its benefits.