For many former inmates, returning to their families is just the beginning of a complex journey toward reintegration into society. The real challenge often lies in overcoming barriers to a successful transition and avoiding recidivism.
Recognizing this crucial need, the Big Trees Project has launched an innovative program aimed at giving these individuals a fresh start.
Titled "Arborist Restart: New Day New Tree," the initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Big Trees Project, the Thailand Institute of Justice’s (TIJ) Restart Academy, and Social Giver.
The program equips former inmates with the essential skills for a career in arboriculture, providing a viable pathway for reintegration into society and a stable future.
This collaborative effort aims to facilitate their transition into skilled arborists within a year.
By effectively reducing recidivism and expanding the pool of certified arborists, the initiative not only offers valuable skills and employment opportunities to former inmates but also enhances urban green spaces.
As these individuals rebuild their lives and positively impact their communities, the program promotes a more supportive and rehabilitative approach to criminal justice.
Dr. Sompop Sangkutkaew, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Corrections, highlighted the potential of former inmates during a recent press conference.
"These individuals are just like anyone else. A single mistake can lead to incarceration, but they could have had the potential to be professionals like judges or doctors," Dr. Sompop noted.
The Restart Academy, a part of the Thailand Institute of Justice, operates as a social lab dedicated to helping former inmates reintegrate into society.
Launched in early 2023, the Academy initially focused on training in food services through a food-cart project. Now, the focus has shifted to arboriculture, providing inmates with essential skills for a new career.
According to 2021 data from the Department of Corrections, nearly 12% of released inmates reoffended within a year, and 23% within two years.
This statistic underscores the need for effective reintegration programs.
Ponthep Meunpong from the Thai Arboriculture Association was initially apprehensive about visiting a prison but quickly realized the potential within these individuals.
"If given the chance, they can learn and improve their skills," Ponthep said.
He suggested that instead of just training inmates to clean gutters, they should be trained to care for the approximately three million trees in Bangkok.
The Big Trees Project aims to reduce the shortage of arborists and tree climbers.
It is estimated that former inmates who complete the basic training and become tree climbers can earn a daily wage of at least 400 baht.
With skill improvement and certification, their earnings could increase significantly, with certified arborists potentially earning up to 2,000 baht per day.
Phiset Sa-ardyen, Executive Director of TIJ, emphasized the program’s role as a social experiment aimed at facilitating the smooth reintegration of former inmates who may struggle to adjust to contemporary society after long periods of incarceration.
The first five-day basic training course took place from September 9-13 at Nonthaburi Provincial Prison, with 70 inmates and former inmates participating.
A total of 30 were selected to attend a subsequent workshop.
The project’s long-term goal is to cultivate a new generation of arborists from among former inmates, supporting them in achieving certification and offering a promising path to a stable and productive future.
This initiative represents a win-win situation for both the individuals involved and society as a whole.
By reducing the number of repeat offenders through effective reintegration and expanding the pool of certified arborists, the program not only provides former inmates with valuable skills and employment opportunities but also contributes to the enhancement of urban green spaces.
As these individuals build new lives and contribute positively to their communities, the program fosters a more supportive and rehabilitative approach to criminal justice.
Photos courtesy of Big Trees Project
