Paraguay’s Ministry of Justice, in partnership with the Government of Alto Paraná, has officially launched a new initiative designed to help inmates reintegrate into society. The Community Service Programme, titled Servicio que Reconstruye (Service that Rebuilds), enables inmates to participate in community service projects as a core component of their rehabilitation process.
Through this scheme, participants will engage in voluntary work aimed at social reparation. The central goal is to allow them to make a positive and tangible contribution to the community, which in turn strengthens their path towards successful reintegration. This approach provides a structured opportunity for inmates to develop skills and a sense of purpose while giving back to the society they will eventually rejoin.
Community Service Programme: A pathway to rehabilitation
In the department of Alto Paraná, the programme will begin with a specific and impactful project. Inmates participating are set to carry out essential cleaning and conditioning work at approximately 35 public schools. These tasks are crucial for preparing the educational facilities for students and staff. To ensure safety and order, all community work will be conducted under the direct supervision of penitentiary agents.
This initial project demonstrates the practical application of the programme’s philosophy. It not only addresses a community need but also places inmates in a position of responsibility and service. The structure of the programme is designed to foster a positive work ethic and a connection to the community, which, according to the Ministry of Justice, are vital elements for reducing recidivism and promoting long-term personal change.
The minister’s vision for change
Rodrigo Nicora, the Minister of Justice, spoke at the launch event, outlining the fundamental purpose of the new initiative. He emphasised its role in creating meaningful opportunities for reform and personal development.
“The project that we are launching today seeks precisely to enhance reintegration. People deprived of their liberty can work, feel useful, give something back to society and present that to the criminal execution courts.”
A call for second chances
The minister also highlighted the need for a societal shift in perspective, moving from a purely punitive mindset to one that embraces the possibility of redemption and second chances for those who have made mistakes.
“We as a society must also understand that we can all make mistakes, but there is a right to second chances. We all have the right to start over in any area of our lives and it is under that paradigm that we are advancing this great project today.”
The programme includes individuals who have been convicted and are currently in their probationary period.
Study for sentence reduction
In addition to the Community Service Programme, the ministry highlighted other existing pathways that encourage personal reform among the prison population. Minister Nicora explained that current legislation also provides significant incentives for education. Under this system, inmates who commit to their studies can earn a sentence reduction.
For every year of study successfully completed, an inmate is eligible to have three months removed from their total sentence. However, this is not an automatic right. To qualify, Nicora clarified that inmates must maintain a record of good conduct and be officially classified within a profile of individuals who genuinely wish to reintegrate into society. This ensures that the benefits are awarded to those who are truly committed to changing their lives.
Also read: Rescuers And Coffee Cat Café Save 41 Abandoned Paraguayan Prison Cats.
