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
Welcome to a preview of our newly redesigned website. While the site is being developed, we welcome your comments.
Letter from Africa - Summer 2008
New! Read the latest edition of our newsletter, Letter from Africa.
Death penalty appeal
Over 400 death row inmates in Uganda are challenging the legality of the death penalty. More...
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
14 Aug 2008Diana Opio joins trustee board
APP has welcomed Diana Opio as a new trustee. Diana’s experience as a palliative care nurse - and her expertise in African culture - will be a real bonus for the young charity. More...
10 July 2008Toby Brown succesfully completes six-month project
Toby Brown has successfully completed his six months helping full time to set up APP as a professionally run charity. More...
21 Jun 2008Women’s school and library planning commences
APP has commenced planning an ambitious project to install educational facilities for female prisoners in Luzira Prison, Uganda. More...
11 Jun 2008Toby returns from successful Uganda visit
APP’s legal director and trustee Toby Brown has returned to the UK after visiting the charity’s recently established base in Kampala. More...