CC- DEMOCRACY AND JUSTICE – School students visit the Cremona Jail

On Saturday, November 23, the Cremona Prison “Ca de Ferro” hosted a unique event titled "Freed Up Time: From the Cremona Casa Circondariale to the Community." During this initiative, students from several classes of the Romani Secondary school in Casalmaggiore had the opportunity to engage directly with inmates, asking them questions and listening to their life stories. The meeting also included institutional representatives and members of local associations who dailydedicate their efforts to support inmates through programs aimed at restoring their ties to society, which were broken by criminal acts.

The event, organized in collaboration with the “casa cirondariale (Ca de Ferro Prison)  and the Acli Club of Casalmaggiore, took place in the prison theater. In her opening speech, Director Rossella Padula explained to the students: “The people detained here are, like all citizens, bearers of rights. Although they have broken laws, they are now engaged in a process of re-education and recovery of lost values, always with the aim of reintegrating into society as new individuals and responsible citizens.”

The inmates themselves shared stories of their lives with the students, emphasizing how easy it is to stray from the path of justice and the importance of recognizing one’s mistakes to mend what has been broken.

In a touching moment, one of the inmates unexpectedly took the microphone and began to sing. Everyone quickly joined in by clapping to the rhythm, supporting a voice that rivaled that of a professional performer. The moment highlighted that talent, humanity, and joy that are inherent values of every person, transcending the walls that divide us, even after a conviction. As part of restorative justice programs, the morning also allowed some inmates to reunite with their loved ones—parents, spouses, or children—creating a poignant moment of connection.

The event with the students was part of the Festival of Rights 2024, promoted by the Volunteer Services Center of Southern Lombardy across the provinces of Cremona, Lodi, Pavia, and Mantua (CSV Lombardia Sud). This year's theme was “And Tomorrow? Perspectives and Visions of New Horizons