Interview with prisoner, Vogan September 2022.
“I did only 2 years of primary school so after I have been in prison, I will not be able to find a job.I have stolen with violence, and I got a 5-year sentence. I was here for a long time before I started the Kente weave in the prison. Since starting the weaving program I have been able to send money to my children. Before we were less than 100 prisoners at Vogan prison, now we are more than 300 so we do not have enough space for everyone. We need 2 things here in Vogan Prison: more space and a separate workshop, so we can get more space and avoid all conflicts”
Jay Jay, 36
Jay Jay at his release in hfoufoiafouapiwf
“My name is Guidjibossou Kokou. I am 17 years old and I have stollen some bodies’ phone, and that is why I am at the prison now. I did not get yet any sentence. I am learning bag making in the prison and that program benefits me. It is a little bit hard for me, but if they teach well I can do it. I left school in the first class of secondary. My dream is to become a professional welder in the future”
Guidjibossou, 17
Jay Jay at his release in hfoufoiafouapiwf
“I am in prison for the second time. I now received a three-year jail sentence. Before I was dealing illegal fuel but now, I want to learn to weave Kente and get financial support. So, I want to learn it and become a professional Kente weaver. Our masters have been able to make a living out of it so I believe if I take care of Kente I will not come to prison again “
Amen at his release