Reintegration of ex-convicts into the local church :a case study of Philemon Ministry at Nairobi Chapel

Abstract

This research was a qualitative phenomenological study that inquired into the experiences of ex-convicts seeking to reintegrate into the society. Data was collected by means of open-ended questionnaires. Six ex-convicts were interviewed. The study reveals that ex-convicts face stigmatization and segregation as they sought to reintegrate into the society. The economic/material needs that have been observed as major themes in the study are unemployment, family disownment of ex-convicts upon their release and their lack of skills. It has also been revealed that Philemon Ministry tends not to be holistic in helping ex-convicts to reintegrate successfully into the society. It was recommended among other things that the Philemon Ministry be more holistic in helping ex-convicts to reintegrate, especially focusing on the barriers that hamper the reintegration process.