Further cooperation opportunities with Czech colleagues discussed during the visit
From June 10 to 12, Mindaugas Kairys, Director General of Lithuanian Prison Service along with other Lithuanian Prison Service representatives, visited Prague to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Run (YRR) and engage in a bilateral meeting with Simon Michailidis, Head of the Prison Service of the Czech Republic.
The primary purpose of the meeting between Mr. Kairys and Mr. Michailidis was to discuss the potential for further cooperation between the two prison services, addressing common challenges and exploring collaborative projects. Both Directors General expressed their commitment to finding opportunities for joint project initiatives that could benefit their respective prison systems.
Representatives of Lithuanian Prison Service took part in the relay race of the Yellow Ribbon Run (YRR) project. This event is a significant initiative aimed at raising public awareness and fostering a more inclusive society by offering second chances to individuals with criminal backgrounds to live dignified lives, thus contributing to the prevention of crime, the reduction of recidivism and to the safer society. The YRR project emphasizes the importance of destigmatizing ex-offenders and their families, recognizing the profound negative impact of imprisonment, particularly on children.
The yellow ribbon, the project's symbol, stands for hope, acceptance, and a second chance for people with a criminal past. The YRR's mission is to accelerate the integration process, helping ex-offenders secure employment and gain acceptance within communities without prejudice. Lithuanian Prison Service will be considering extending the YRR initiative to Lithuania and organising the run.
The Prague event was attended by prison staff, offenders, and their families, along with teams from Latvia, Poland, Croatia, Norway, and Lithuania. Lithuanian Prison Service was represented by Valerij Jermak, Chief Specialist of the Security Management Unit of Vilnius Prison, Loreta Vasiljevienė, Chief Specialist of the Healthcare Coordination Unit, and Director General Mindaugas Kairys. In the 4x2.5 km relay, the Lithuanian team emerged victorious, securing the first place.
Last updated: 18-06-2024
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