Dignity and hope for prisoners
through health, education and justice
African Prisons Project (APP) is a young charity founded to improve the welfare, health and education of detainees in Africa. We aim to restore the dignity of prisoners by providing humane conditions and improving welfare, access to medical facilities and the opportunity to learn. Our principal projects are the creation or refurbishment of prison clinics and libraries.
Africa is a continent in transition, and its problems are magnified within its detention systems. The plight of detainees is rarely noticed; therefore they receive little help from charitable organisations. Yet they include the most downtrodden and vulnerable - babies imprisoned with their mothers, the mentally ill, children and the illiterate.
In general, the conditions in African prisons are painfully poor. Many are severely overcrowded, lack sanitation and are unable to provide adequate nutrition. Access to books and education is limited or non-existent. Medical facilities are wholly inadequate. Few countries have universal access to legal representation, whilst many retain the death penalty and corporal punishment. Prison sentences can be significantly longer than in developed countries and it is not unusual to spend long periods in prison without trial.
Since its foundation, APP has been run by young volunteers - students and young professionals who want to make a difference. Increasingly we are supported by our advisors and partners. We provide school leavers and those from a variety of backgrounds with the opportunity to gain experience and skills by assisting a project in Africa. Our volunteers then act as ambassadors when they return home.
Welcome
Letter from Africa - Summer 2009
New! Read the latest edition of our newsletter, Letter from Africa.
(You can also read back issues.)
Download APP’s 2009 update here
Read details of upcoming projects!
Special Report: TB in Luzira
By Rowan Emslie
Special Report: Mental health and the death penalty
By Kerry Akers
Special Report: Visit from Chris Rwakasisi
By Rowan Emslie
Special Report: Education in Prisons
By Rowan Emslie and Kerry Akers
APP on Twitter
Now you can follow African Prisons Project updates on Twitter!
APP on Facebook
Find us on Facebook to discover more about African Prisons Project (you need a Facebook account to view this page).
Freedom Cry, a CD by Condemned Choirs
African Prisons Project have produced a CD of songs performed by Condemned Choirs, death row inmates in Luzira Prison, Uganda. Read more information about Freedom Cry.
Latest news
25 May 2009APP in talks with new trustees
After months of searching for experienced individuals to join its growing board of trustees, APP is now in talks with a number of potential candidates. More...
23 May 2009African music night drums up funds & awareness
On 1 May, African Prisons Project hosted a night of live music in London. The event was held at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) designed to raise APP’s profile and widen its base of potential volunteers and donors. More...
07 Apr 2009APP plans afro-funk night to raise funds
APP has teamed up with Ugandan musicians and new volunteers to organise a rhythmical evening of music, food and partying. It is hoped that the Afro-funk Breakout night will raise funds and awareness for APP, and inspire new volunteers. More...
28 Mar 2009£650 raised at street collection day
Volunteers from across the country helped APP raise a staggering £650 at a recent street collection day. More...