El programa “Yo Cambio” en el sistema penitenciario en El Salvador
The Yo Cambio (I Change) Program in El Salvador’s Penitentiary System
El Salvador is notorious for overcrowded prisons. It has the third highest prison population rate worldwideOccupancy levels – based on official capacity – have reached 350%. The situation has deteriorated dramatically over the past 15 years: the number of of prisoners has grown from under 8,000 prisoners in 2000 to over 38,000 in 2016.
In the face of such complex challenges, five years ago El Salvador implemented innovative approaches to manage its prisons and design effective re-integration programs. ‘Yo Cambio’ supported the rehabilitation of prisoners and their re-integration into society through vocational training and activities. The program has since closed down with the arrival of a new administration. Ricardo Antonio Rios Canales will talk about his experiences as a director of the program.
Note: The presentation will be in Spanish with English translation.
