(© Bambinisenzasbarre)
On Saturday, 14 December, ‘Game with Mum & Dad’ was hosred at Opera Prison, one of the three penitentiary institutions in Milan (Italy), where it had already been played earlier this summer.
As the prison gym was unavailable, the much-anticipated event between children, imprisoned parents and their families took place in the treatment area hall of the facility.
The first to arrive, just after 10 a.m., were the imprisoned fathers, followed by the children and relatives who had to wait while the access checks and verifications were completed, due to the large turnout typical of Saturdays. The fathers welcomed the children and families into the spacious hall and, after greeting them, handed out T-shirts designed for the GWMD (yellow for children and navy blue for adults). This moment, always planned and organised with great care, is an essential component of the project.
Before starting the activities, the fathers, children and families, together with operators from Bambinisenzasbarre and volunteers from a Scout group, gathered in a circle for a welcome greeting and to listen to the schedule of activities planned for the morning.
Children and imprisoned parents playing at Opera Prison (© Bambinisenzasbarre)
Shortly afterwards, teams made up of imprisoned fathers and their children were formed. They chose their team names and after pairing draws, these were written on the tournament board displayed on a wall in the hall. The tournament, based on a knockout format, featured a series of matches involving board games and highly engaging skills based challenges. During these activities, the bond and dialogue between the children and their imprisoned parents grew even closer. Children and parents were highly engaged and there was a great sense of mutual enjoyment.
After an hour and a half of challenges—together with hugs, playful teasing and lots of communication between fathers and children—the tournament concluded with an award ceremony for all participants, followed by lunch featuring pizzas and focaccias prepared by inmates working in the prison’s internal bakery.
After lunch, the detained fathers and their children participated in an art workshop focused on drawing and painting, creating Christmas and holiday greeting cards. They also played a game of bingo.
The day ended around 2 p.m., with heartfelt goodbyes as fathers and children exchanged hugs, kisses and well wishes for the holiday season.
GWMD in Europe is coordinated by COPE, based on a model created and developed by Bambinisenzasbarre, which has been organising games in Italy since 2015. GWMD serves as a tool to maintain, enhance and strengthen the bond between children and their imprisoned parents.
After several months, the GWMD programme involving imprisoned parents, children and families, and prison staff and officers, comes to a close. This programme helps to reinforce family bonds and has long-lasting positive effects on the children and their families.
