Two Women, Three Prisons - Part 4: In their own words

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Edwin Esperanza ("Hopeful") and Angelica Balboa, Prison Psychologist

We've talked about Magaly and Mabel's dedication to AVP work, particularly in prisons in Bolivia. We'd like to share with you a few more insights, from their joint year-end report to prison officials):

• [There is] great interest in the workshops by most people, as shown by their punctuality and participation from start to finish for the 2 ½ to 3 hr. sessions. In many cases people who have already taken a Basic invite others to take the workshop. In order to not leave their friends alone, they also attend some or all of the sessions and participate again.

The environment in which we have been running each workshop has contributed significantly to the process of formation of community and trust among participants. With no interruptions [during the workshop], each can develop with confidence and gain a sense of belonging to the group they are participating in.

The support of the  Department of Psychology makes people feel more confident about participating in the workshops.

• There are many people in the prisons who still do not know about AVP, offering a challenge in extending the workshops so that all who might benefit can do so.