The thought of being a prisoner is so scary because many people find fun in adventure, and being confined in a building for years makes one feel like it's the end of the world for them.
Those of us who have never been imprisoned only imagine what it’s like being in there, and stereotype our prisons based on what we watch in films and movies.
However, being a convict is not all about being confined and living under 24-hour surveillance. We are all human and deserve to have some fun, no matter the situation we are in.
Convicts have fun too. They actually have way much more fun that we could imagine. I’m not asking us to find our way to prison, no, I’m simply stating facts.
Having fun is mandatory for prisoners. This is because being confined gives them emotional distress, which would result in depression and even worse decisions.
In a conversation with Kenyans.co.ke, a Kakamega Prison Chaplain, noted that allowing prisoners to bond with wardens and engage in activities they enjoy relieves them of mental torture and anguish, noting that some of the wrongfully imprisoned inmates undergo high levels of stress.
Here are some of the activities prisoners engage in:
- Sports
Sporting activities like football and handball are what most inmates enjoy, especially the male gender. They engage in football competition among themselves and with the prison officers.
- Recreational Activities
Many prisons in Kenya provide all the necessary recreational activities anyone may need. Usually, they engage in them after having breakfast.
Some of these include swimming, rock climbing, card and board games.
- Pageants
Pageants are one of those activities that inmates find to be the most interesting. This one happens once in a while, and is usually a very stiff competition.
They are placed in groups, compete and the winning teams are awarded.
- Drama: Plays, Dancing, Singing
This is usually done as a competition as well, but the core of it is to help them grow their talents.
A majority of them usually have a talent in singing, and these competitions help them grow. They are also gifted according to merit.
- Dancing to music
Sometimes, prison officers set up public address systems, and let prisoners just dance, which helps them forget their problems.
Most of the time, they listen to gospel music. They are also allowed to listen to music while in their chambers, but not the entire day.
- Watching TV
Convicts watch television, and they also have program they follow up on.
Within the time they are interacting, they are allowed to watch the television, once they are done with their normal duties.
- Socializing
This is a compulsory rule in prison. It’s not set by the officers, but by the convicts.
They meet and share their experiences, and what exactly they did that got them imprisoned.
While this is an interesting activity to engage in, it usually helps, especially those who are wrongfully prosecuted.
They get to meet people who have gone through the same, and they are encouraged to remain hopeful that justice will be served.
- Random Gifting
Gifts are most especially given to those who have been wrongfully convicted. These gifts are given to them just to make them feel loved and give them hope.
Usually, they are given in terms of food. Wardens and officers find out the food these people love, and just randomly give them.
- Yoga
Yoga is a fun activity that helps one keep their minds relaxed.
The Langata Women prisoners practice yoga, for both the inmates and the wardens. This helps them relax the pressure they have and mental torture.
Some of the activities are not specifically meant for fun, but just to help them manage stress.
Some of these include church services, visitations and guidance and counselling.
