Say Yes, Winter 2008: Make yourself at home

The Ankara Children’s Education Home, Turkey’s first reformatory for child offenders, has occupied this site since 1941. With its trees, football pitch, drive, lawns and gardens, it is an oasis amid the airless apartment blocks of the burgeoning Keçiören district. The boys amble freely among the 2–4 storey buildings of yellow and blue which serve as dormitory, canteen and cultural centre. Some parts of the site are off–limits, and you cannot leave without permission — but there are no armed guards, barbed wire or fences.

The system feeds on freedom, based on mutual trust, says Director Nurdoğan Ertuğrul. Whether convicted of murder or theft, the residents are treated alike. Those who are young enough, and whose schooling has not been too badly interrupted, attend schools in the neighbourhood. The others are trying to complete their academic, vocational or apprenticeship education through distance learning with the help of special classes.

Capacity is for 108, but there are only 42 residents. Eight have passed the age of 18, but will be allowed to stay on until 21, provided they pursue an education. Between them, the inmates have spent years in various detention centres and prisons. Almost all prefer it here. I see the earth, says one. You get to go on leave, notes another. I have been to the cinema, reports a third.

Young convicts — but not detainees — have the right to visit their families 1–3 times a year. The freedom to make and receive unlimited and unmonitored telephone calls from the payphones is unique to the education home – and highly valued. Visiting hours too are relatively long and flexible.

Part of society

The boys have not only been to the cinema. In addition to the handicrafts, hobbies and courses available on site, they have also visited museums and gone skating, swimming and picnicking. Five residents who gave up smoking were rewarded with a posh restaurant meal. Such activities are often supported by associations and businesses. They increased after the Law on the Execution of Penalties was amended in 2005 so as to broaden the discretion of individual institutions.

Whether we have a hairdressing course or a concert, we try to hold it outside, in its normal place, so that they can feel a part of social life, Ertuğrul explains. At Keçiören, the residents are outnumbered by a staff of 54 — 20 guards and 34 health, education and psychosocial professionals and administrative staff. They are already familiar with the Ardıç Programme. The materials are very easy to use for those just starting the profession, comments a psychologist.

Read more about the Ardıç Programme on the previous page.

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