Moses Ochekwu

Assessment INMATE IMPACT ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRES FOR JANUARY 5TH-10TH 2024, FOOTBALL COMPETITION IN MEDIUM SECURITY CUSTODIAL CENTER, OTUKPO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT W e want to thank the staffs and inmates of MEDIUM SECURITY CUSTODIAL CENTER, OTUKPO for giving their time and providing information that was integral to the successful delivery of the report. Also a very big thank you to UNODC for training the Dream Again Prison and Youth Foundation team on how to professionally use sport as a tool for positive reformation. DREAM AGAIN PRISON AND YOUTH FOUNDATION 1 METHODOLOGY T he information presented in this report was gotten from Dream Again Prison and Youth Foundation inmate/correctional officers impact assessment questionnaires for January 5th-10th 2024, football competition in MEDIUM SECURITYCUSTODIAL CENTER, OTUKPO. In the questionnaire, inmates where asked to rate the impact of the football competition an a scale of 1-10; 1 - Poor: The lowest level of satisfaction or agreement. 2-3 - Fair: Below average, indicating dissatisfaction or disagreement. 4-6 - Average/Moderate: Neither positive nor negative, a middle-of-the-road response. 7-8 - Good/High: Above average, indicating satisfaction or agreement. 9-10 - Excellent/Very High: The highest DREAM AGAIN PRISON AND YOUTH FOUNDATION 2 INMATE’S INTERVIEW 01 How would you rate the overall impact of participating in football programs on your well-being during your time in prison? How much do you feel that playing football has positively influenced your physical health and fitness? 03 To what extent has engagement in football contributed to improved mental well-being and reduced stress levels? How much do you believe football has helped you develop essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership? DREAM AGAIN PRISON AND YOUTH FOUNDATION 02 04 3 INMATE’S INTERVIEW 05 To what degree has participation in football programs influenced your sense of discipline and personal responsibility? How would you rate the impact of playing football on your relationships with fellow inmates and correctional staff? 07 to what extent do you believe football has fostered a sense of camaraderie and community within the prison environment? How effective do you find football as a constructive outlet for managing emotions and frustrations? DREAM AGAIN PRISON AND YOUTH FOUNDATION 06 08 4 INMATE’S INTERVIEW 09 Have you observed changes in your attitude towards rehabilitation and reintegration due to participating in football? On a scale of 1 to 10, please describe the most significant positive impact that playing football has had on your life as an inmate. 11 On a scale of 1 to 10, how will you describe team Dream Again Foundation? Would you like more sporting activities in prison? Which type of sport? DREAM AGAIN PRISON AND YOUTH FOUNDATION 10 12 5 KEY FIGURES All the inmates that played in the football competition participated in the questionnaire and Correctional Officers were also interviewed. 30 Players interviewed 4 Correctional Officers interviewed DREAM AGAIN PRISON AND YOUTH FOUNDATION 6 STATISTICS 1 2-3 4-6 7-8 9-10 Skipped Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 - 06 5 0 07 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 DREAM AGAIN PRISON AND YOUTH FOUNDATION Q9 Q10 Q11 7 Chess 3.6% Ludo 3.6% Footbal 10.7% Volleyball 7.1% Table Tennis 71.4% DREAM AGAIN PRISON AND YOUTH FOUNDATION 8 Correctional Officer’s Interview Summarized feedback from the Correctional Officers Questionnaires Assessment How do you perceive the overall effectiveness of incorporating football programs in promoting a positive prison environment? Football programs in prisons offer inmates a constructive outlet to cope with the pressures of prison life, promoting both physical and mental well-being. Those who engage in sports, particularly football, experience improved fitness levels, reduced stress, and overall better health compared to non-participants. These programs not only serve as a means of physical activity but also provide a positive emotional outlet, helping to alleviate boredom commonly experienced in prison. The incorporation of football in prison environments has proven effective in creating a positive atmosphere, fostering excitement and joy among both officers and inmates. This positive environment can contribute to a shift in mindset from frustration to a more positive outlook. In your opinion, to what extent have football initiatives contributed to reducing disciplinary issues among inmates? The study explores the experiences of inmates and officers participating in an initiative that utilizes sports, specifically football, as a means of positive engagement. Playing football fosters teamwork, discipline, and adherence to rules. Inmates involved in football initiatives learn cooperation, following instructions, and respecting authorities, leading to improved behavior both on and off the field. These initiatives significantly contribute to reducing indiscipline among inmates by building strong, cordial relationships, fostering love and togetherness, and eliminating hatred among participants, ultimately contributing to the restoration of discipline. DREAM AGAIN PRISON AND YOUTH FOUNDATION 9 Correctional Officer’s Interview How would you rate the impact of football on fostering positive relationships between inmates and correctional staff? The limited studies on the impact of physical activities on inmates, particularly focusing on the role of sports, highlight positive outcomes. Specifically, football has been identified as a tool for fostering positive relationships between inmates and correctional staff. The engagement in football provides an opportunity for both parties to perceive each other beyond their traditional roles, contributing to a change in perspective. Correctional officers who are fans of football often develop a greater affinity for inmates, with some even going as far as buying gifts for them post-game. The shared enthusiasm for football clubs creates a common ground, leading to increased cooperation and positive interactions among inmates and staff during match competitions. This dynamic demonstrates a practical improvement in relationships within the correctional environment. To what degree do you believe football programs have enhanced the sense of community and camaraderie within the prison walls? Football serves as more than just a recreational activity; it has the power to foster camaraderie and build identity. The sport transcends backgrounds and circumstances, acting as a unifying force within communities. In the context of incarcerated individuals, participating in football programs offers a shared interest, promoting a sense of belonging and unity among inmates. The popularity of football extends beyond prison walls, with communities embracing the sport and providing support. This shared passion for football creates a connection between inmates and the broader community, offering opportunities for rehabilitation and future development once individuals complete their sentences. DREAM AGAIN PRISON AND YOUTH FOUNDATION 10 Correctional Officer’s Interview From your perspective, how effective has football been in supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration goals for inmates associated with Boko Haram? Sport programs, particularly football, have shown success in the rehabilitation of inmates associated with violent extremist groups. In a Nigerian prison in September 2015, a six-a-side football game took place, highlighting the unconventional yet effective use of sports within high-security walls. Such programs provide inmates with a structured routine and a sense of purpose, fostering responsibility, time management, and adherence to rules. The engagement in football helps counter idleness, a significant factor in youth involvement in crimes. By acquiring football skills, rehabilitated inmates leave prison with valuable skills that contribute to their successful reintegration into society. Any suggestions and recommendations for team Dream Again Foundation? A holistic approach to football programs for inmates involves extending the focus beyond the sport itself. This strategy advocates for the integration of educational and vocational components to enhance inmates' knowledge and skills in areas such as literacy, life skills, and job readiness. By incorporating these elements into the program, inmates receive a more comprehensive preparation for their reintegration into society, addressing not only physical activity but also contributing to their intellectual and practical development. This approach aims to empower inmates with a well-rounded skill set that can positively impact their prospects beyond the sports arena. DREAM AGAIN PRISON AND YOUTH FOUNDATION 11 THANK YOU ADAMU BASHIRU-,--dreamagain.org.ng 15 Agadez Crescent Wuse 2, Abuja