Interview of Žaneta Dvořáčková, Czech Prison Fellowship (Czech Republic)

‘Children with imprisoned parents are among the most vulnerable and neglected groups.‘ Žaneta Dvořáčková is the Deputy Director of Czech Prison Fellowship and the Director of all PFCZ programs for families and children of incarcerated parents. What is Czech Prison Fellowship, and what does it do? Czech Prison Fellowship is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping … Lire plus

Interview of Svenja Böning, Hoppenbank e.V. (Germany)

‘I want to ensure that children in difficult life situations receive the support they need to lead happy and fulfilling lives.‘ What is and what does Hoppenbank e.V.? Hoppenbank e.V. is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to offenders from Bremen, Germany. We focus on preventing imprisonment, providing counseling in prison and transition management. We … Lire plus

Bringing GWMD’s vision to India: a new approach to parent-child meetings

After its success in Europe, the GWMD model has influenced similar efforts globally. For the first time in India, two structured, play-based Gala Bhet events were held. These initiative marked a significant step forward in strengthening parent-child connections within Indian prison environments, demonstrating how child-centered approaches can be integrated into existing frameworks. The initiative was led by … Lire plus

Interview of Elizabeth Ayre, Executive Director of COPE

‘Children come into this world with open minds and open hearts. Supporting the rights of children helps support the sustainability of an open mind and heart.’ Elizabeth Ayre is Executive Director of Children of Prisoners Europe (COPE), a Paris-based organisation working with over 141 member and affiliate organisations and individuals across Europe and worldwide to … Lire plus

Interview of Paula Akyol, COPE’s Project Director

‘The onus is on adults to shift norms and improve systems so every child can flourish, with their dignity upheld‘. Currently working as Project Director at COPE and on the Game with Mum & Dad project (GWMD), Paula Akyol has experience in child education, NGOs and the arts sector. She is committed to working collaboratively and … Lire plus

Interview of Margaret Tuite, former chair of the COPE Board

‘Children affected by parental imprisonment have often been invisible, neglected, stigmatised, marginalised and sidelined’ I worked for the EU for 33 years. From 2011-2018, I was European Commission Coordinator for the rights of the child. After a leave of absence from September 2018, I retired on 1 May 2022. As of 27 May 2024, on … Lire plus

Interview of Naike Rosini, GWMD Communications Officer

‘Children have shared how excited they are to spend time with their parents playing together.’ Currently working as a Communications Officer at COPE and the GWMD project, Naike holds a BA in International Relations and an MSc in Economic Development. She previously worked in communications for a Brussels-based NGO and an Italy-based European Agency. Passionate about creating positive … Lire plus

The Last Game: Wrapping up GWMD’s second edition

Laughter and cheers filled the sports hall of Oslebshausen Prison as five imprisoned fathers reunited with their children for a day of games and connection. This marked the final ‘Game with Mum & Dad’ event of campaign’s second international edition and the fourth game to be hosted in Germany by Hoppenbank e.V., a COPE member … Lire plus

Interview of Martin Du Bois, former COPE Board member

‘Without children rights, we cannot hope to build decent and legitimate human societies.‘ Martin has many year’s experience in devising and rolling out international advocacy campaigns for NGOs, international organisations and multinational businesses. He was a reporter for The Wall Street Journal for 15 years and continues to be active in journalistic projects. Martin sits … Lire plus

Game with Mum & Dad in Milan (Italy)

On Saturday, 14 December, ‘Game with Mum & Dad’ was hosred at Opera Prison, one of the three penitentiary institutions in Milan (Italy), where it had already been played earlier this summer. As the prison gym was unavailable, the much-anticipated event between children, imprisoned parents and their families took place in the treatment area hall … Lire plus

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