Benches against violence against women painted by Issa
The young Issa, from “peer supporter” at Pagliarelli prison now in social housing with Ortis 2.0 project
PALERMO – “… But out of these deep wounds will come free butterflies….” That is the message written in the red bench painted by Issa together with the youth of Marco Polo School.
The young man, aged 34, originally from Mali, after seven years of detention in Pagliarelli Prison, was today welcomed, along with other detainees, to the social cohousing managed by the association Un Nuovo Giorno with the Ortis 2.0 project financed by Cassa delle Ammende together with the Regional Department of Family and Social Policies.
Issa Traore because of his smile and tall, muscular physique is called the gentle giant. Everything in his life, in fact, the young man has earned it, step by step, through his good behavior.
While he was inside Pagliarelli Prison. the prison management, precisely because of his sensitivity, appointed him a “peer supporter” for the most fragile inmates in the area dedicated to mental health.
Do you now have a new life?
“I have been in housing since last January 16 where I will complete the final part of my sentence,” Issa recounted. My life has changed
a lot because I have done theater and carpentry workshops, sports activities and participated in some social initiatives. These days, with young people from the school, we painted benches dedicated to women. Thanks to the Ortis project workers – who helped me do the paperwork (residence and social security number) – today I have an ID card. I also started the social-work internship as a waiter inside ‘Al Fresco giardino bistrot’. It will be great if, in the future, they can get me to meet my 13-year-old daughter Tené who lives in Paris.”
Inside the prison did you stand out for how you were able to help those who were suffering?
“I made mistakes in the past but, thanks to those who trusted me, I helped people who had psychiatric problems in prison. I felt tenderness toward these brothers of mine who were very sick and suffering. They gave me the opportunity, as a peer supporter, to talk to them, calm them down and allow them to have, accompanied by me, air time and interviews with family members. I also received a commendation because, once, together with the police, I managed to stop an assault on an inmate by a severe psychiatric.
What do you hope for the future?
“From a very young age, already when I was in Africa, I discovered love for others, starting with caring for my mother who was very ill -. Today, my greatest desire is to continue to dedicate myself to others even when I get out. I would like, for example, to become an Osa assistant in centers for more fragile people. My father who stayed in Africa is very happy with everything I have done so far.”
(Serena Termini – Press release March 8, 2025)
Source and Image
Un Nuovo Giorno Association