What We Do

What We Do

We provide free legal representation to indigent incarcerated individuals

This program has been achieved over time through the Pro-Bono services of Lawyers who believe in our dreams and desire to have a justice driven legal system.

Legal Support Program​​

With more than 55,000 awaiting trial justice-impacted individuals across the country, the continuous need for legal assistance cannot be overemphasized and an effective criminal justice system cannot be achieved until an accused person or victim of human right violation have access to legal representation which is a constitutionally guaranteed right. 

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This pressing need for fair dispensation of justice has fueled our legal support program aimed majorly at providing pro bono legal services to indigent and vulnerable persons. Our legal support program, in collaboration with dedicated in-house counsels and passionate partner Law Firms, committed to CELSIR’s cause, has successfully provided representation for more than 100 accused individuals. This ongoing initiative reflects our continuous commitment to upholding justice and advocating for the rights of those in need. Through strategic partnerships and the expertise of our legal professionals, we strive to ensure fair representation and support for individuals entangled in legal challenges, contributing to a more equitable and just legal system.

Educational Support Project

In the pursuit of rehabilitation, Education emerges as a transformative force for incarcerated individuals. Beyond granting second chances, it nurtures self-respect, counters social disconnection, and fuels aspirations for renewed lives. 

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However, challenges persist ranging; from funding gaps, inadequate learning environments, lack of access to qualified teachers, stigma, overcrowding, and limited internet access. Over the past three years, CELSIR has been a beacon of change. We launched Virtual classes for students preparing to go to higher Institutions. This initiative currently runs in 3 correctional facilities – Medium Correctional Center Ikoyi, Medium Correctional Center Kirikiri, and Female Correctional Center Kirikiri in Lagos State. We have provided Stationeries, Chairs and tables, laptops, projectors, and solar inverters, championing quality education. Our professional teachers connect online, preparing incarcerated individuals for exams. A strategic partnership with XML Consulting enhances our impact.

Prison Library

The inception of our Prison Library Project in 2020 was prompted by firsthand observations of the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals in accessing educational and self-development resources. Recognizing the inadequacy of correctional facility libraries filled with outdated and irrelevant books, CELSIR, with the support of the Ford Foundation, took proactive steps.

The launch of a state-of-the-art 21-user library at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre addressed the lack of reading facilities for incarcerated individuals, exacerbated by the destruction of the only available library during the 2020 #EndSars jailbreak attempt. The library, inclusive of an e-library section, caters to those pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the National Open University of Nigeria, now serving over 3000 incarcerated persons with a daily usage exceeding 50 individuals.

The initiation of the #DonateaBook campaign Project actively involved communities in supporting incarcerated individuals as a constructive alternative to stigmatization. Over 2000 books, spanning various genres, were collected and distributed across correctional facilities and the Mobile Library Bus, establishing this initiative as a cornerstone of CELSIR’s efforts.
In 2022, the Prison Library Program achieved another milestone with the launch of the Mobile Library initiative, a van equipped with versatile book racks covering a range of subjects. Inspired by the success of the stationed library at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ikoyi, and the positive feedback received, the need for intervention in other correctional centers propelled the Mobile Library Project.
Since its commissioning, we have visited three (3) Medium Security Custodial Centers, one (1) Maximum Security Custodial Center, and two (2) Special Correctional Centers for Juveniles within Lagos State Nigeria. Each center is provided with a thoughtfully curated set of books for a one-month duration before rotation. With approximately 3,000 books, a significant portion of which resulted from our highly successful Book Drive, enhances the literary resources available to these centers.

Skill Acquisition & Self Development

Creative Writing Workshop Impact

In collaboration with Readland Global, our Creative Writing Workshop has profoundly touched the lives of over 80 incarcerated individuals. This transformative program serves as a channel for self-expression, healing, and personal growth. Notable improvements in communication skills, educational enrichment, and reduced recidivism rates highlight the positive influence of the workshop. Continued support for such programs is crucial for a compassionate and effective approach to criminal justice and rehabilitation.

Health and Safety Training

Recognizing heightened health and safety risks within Correctional Centers, CELSIR took a proactive step. Partnering with OSHversity Training and Development Company, we provided unique Health and Safety training. This comprehensive program addressed various hazards within Correctional Institutions. Collaborating with Oshversity, we trained 61 officials in Ikoyi Correctional Center and 65 Incarcerated Individuals in Medium Correction Center, Kirikiri. The focus on sustainable solutions in both the short and long term included essential skills such as First Aid, Fire Safety, Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Mental Health Management

A Better Me: An Interactive Motivational Workshop

“A Better Me” is a quarterly interactive motivational event meticulously crafted to instill positive transformation in our beneficiaries. This initiative introduces valuable life skills through the real-life experiences of individuals who have triumphed over societal limitations. We firmly believe that incarcerated individuals seeking positive change should be offered the essential support and skills necessary to make meaningful contributions to society, rather than being perceived as a threat.
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Through dynamic elements like open discussions, engaging activities, and motivational sessions, we cultivate personal growth, resilience, and the rediscovery of purpose among our beneficiaries. Our overarching goal is to provide them with the tools and a positive mindset needed to confront challenges, embrace change, and embark on a journey toward rehabilitation for a successful reintegration into society. Notably, this workshop has been effectively implemented in five correctional centers. Since its inception, the program has featured facilitators of high caliber such as Kunle Adewale, Ifeanyi Bello, Bankole Williams, and Nicole Cornway. To date, 300 incarcerated individuals have actively participated in this transformative initiative.

Language Skill

The Language Skills Project was launched to actively engage our beneficiaries in our rehabilitation agenda, motivating them to share their knowledge and empower others while taking ownership of their skills. Led by incarcerated individuals serving as paid volunteers for CELSIR, this initiative commenced with the introduction of French classes at the Medium Security Custodial Center, Kirikiri, and the Female Correctional Center, Kirikiri. Our future objectives encompass expanding the project to introduce more language classes, to boost their proficiency in languages beyond English, thus broadening their employment prospects.

Welfare

CELSIR has teamed up in some Prison welfare activities with other organizations. With the support of Integrated Logistics Services, we provided incarcerated individuals with quality and clean clothing. In celebration of International Women’s Day, PEP Stores generously contributed clothing items and children’s wear to Incarcerated Women. Additionally, we organized a medical outreach at Ikoyi Correctional, with medication donated by “You Matter Foundation,” extending essential healthcare support to those in need.

Reentry Support

In Nigeria, the persistent stigma faced by formerly incarcerated individuals poses a significant challenge to their seamless reintegration into society. Limited access to opportunities often leads to higher chances of recidivism. In addressing these barriers, CELSIR has implemented various strategies to facilitate successful integration.

Internship Opportunities

Over the past few years, CELSIR has offered internship opportunities within our organization. By extending a helping hand to formerly incarcerated individuals, we equip them with valuable skills, placing them in a favorable position within the competitive job market. Notably, some have been connected to fellowship opportunities, with our lead ambassador successfully admitted into the prestigious Global Freedom Fellowship.

Employment Preparation

In our commitment to empowering formerly incarcerated individuals, CELSIR actively engages with formerly Incarcerated Individuals to prepare professional resumes (CVs). Through this, we pave the way for employment opportunities and training programs, aiming to enhance their prospects and foster self-sufficiency.

Safe House for Formerly Incarcerated Women

In recognizing shelter as a fundamental human need, incarceration often results in the upheaval of homes, posing a significant challenge upon regaining freedom. The absence of shelter leaves formerly incarcerated individuals, especially women, in a vulnerable position.

CELSIR in partnership with “A New Way of Life” has set up the first shelter (Halfway Home) for formerly incarcerated women in Nigeria, to embark on the journey of reintegrating into society, providing them with essential support and empowering them with the skills necessary to become Self- reliant and independent women.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Through dynamic elements like open discussions, engaging activities, and motivational sessions, we cultivate personal growth, resilience, and the rediscovery of purpose among our beneficiaries. Our overarching goal is to provide them with the tools and a positive mindset needed to confront challenges, embrace change, and embark on a journey toward rehabilitation for a successful reintegration into society. Notably, this workshop has been effectively implemented in five correctional centers. Since its inception, the program has featured facilitators of high caliber such as Kunle Adewale, Ifeanyi Bello, Bankole Williams, and Nicole Cornway. To date, 300 incarcerated individuals have actively participated in this transformative initiative.
Some photos from The Ruby House

Our newly established Safe House is named “The Ruby House”. The House is designed to accommodate 15 residents in comfort. The facility includes specialized areas such as a skills room, a library, and an individual counseling space, fostering an environment conducive to comprehensive recovery. There is a designated room allocated to provide privacy for nursing mothers and pregnant women, recognizing and catering to their specific needs. This thoughtful design ensures that the Safe House is not just a residence but a supportive and tailored environment for the diverse needs of its residents.

Support CELSIR in helping
former incarcerated individuals rejoin society successfully.

We are calling on individuals and organizations of good will to support us as we work towards proper rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals to ensure a positive and productive transition into society.
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