On September 11, the Busto Arsizio Prison, Italy, hosted the ‘Game with Mum & Dad’. The event took place in the morning, with four imprisoned parents and seven children participating. At 10 o’clock in the morning the children, accompanied by their mothers, joined their fathers on the institution’s field.
The fact that it coincided with the first day of school meant that fewer children were present, and as a result, fewer fathers participated compared to last year when there were more attendees. Despite this, the game still took place, in part thanks to the prison’s Legal-Pedagogical Officers –who accompany imprisoned people during the rehabilitation process – who put on jerseys and joined the imprisoned parents’ team.
The game ended with the fifteen goals for children against seven scored by the fathers, who were a bit out of shape and short of breath. There was plenty of laughter, fun and hugs, with the children eager to show off their skills to their fathers.
“Did you see, Dad, how well I kick? And I’ve also learned to do a header”
– boy, 7 years old(Hai visto papà come tiro bene? E ho imparato anche a prenderla di testa)
After the game, the children and their families gathered at the side of the field for a snack, enjoying chocolate cookies made in the prison’s workshop and ice cream.
The event was documented by a photographer from Bambinisenzasbarre who took some photos during the event. Before being shared on the Association’s social media platforms, the photos were edited to ensure the faces of all participants (especially children), were not recognisable in order to protect their privacy.
‘Game with Mum & Dad’, organised in Italy in collaboration with the Department of Prison Administration (Dap), is an exceptional moment of connection for children and families impacted by parental imprisonment, creating lasting memories.
Organised by COPE, the campaign is a powerful advocacy tool for a large group of children facing what are often vulnerable situations— 2.1 million in Europe and 22 million worldwide children have a parent in prison.
