Imbeleko Project

Imbeleko was launched in the Estern Cape, at the East London correctional Centre,on the 26th of August 2009, and will continue throughout the country's Female Correctional Centres. The project was launched by the Deputy Minister of Correctional Services Mrs. Hlengiwe Mkhize who is a Clinical Pschycologist

Imbeleko is a two-pronged initiative aimed at improving the lives of children who find themselves behind bars with their incarcerated mothers. The first pillar is focused on creating a humane, secure and home-like enviroment for the child within the correctional facilities.

Creative ways of devising a child-friendly enviroment include converting exiting cells into suitable mother-and-child units ad decorating such units differently, making them more stimulating for the children as well as their needs.

The second pillar of Imbeleko involves finding alternative placement for children outside the correctional facilities, with consent of mothers.The mothers readiness to accept the baby's placement is very important. The involvement of the broader community proves that the success of this project depends on the involvement of all sections of our population, particularly women and children's rights activists.Babies Behind Bars is a recognized organization and partner in reaching the goals set by the Imbeleko project.