Joan, retired lecturer and prison volunteer: a sincere look inside prisons

When and why did you decide to volunteer?

My interest in volunteering appeared after a trip to Canada, where I was impressed with the amount of volunteering that I saw in so many areas of society. In fact, I remember reaching Calgary airport and there were a lot of people who were only there to offer help, and they helped me find my way. Later, I saw the same in different factors in society and I liked it so much that I thought: “when I retire, I will do volunteering”. What I didn’t think about, however, was to sign up for prisons, but when I visited the FAS, I saw that among the different options, volunteering in a prison was somewhere where I could be useful.

Had you ever done volunteering anywhere else before?

Yes, I had already volunteered in other places, and since I was convinced that after retirement I would begin volunteering, I decided to retire a bit earlier since I was sure that it would be easier to do at 65 than at 70. So, right after retiring I went to volunteer with a community in Uganda, with which I had previously contacted in 2013, when I discovered solidarity tourism.

Of all the volunteering offered by the FAS, why did you decide to volunteer in prisons?

Before they told me about the different volunteering options, I was thinking about volunteering with migrants, but during the training courses offered by the FAS, I realized that the majority of migrants are young people and therefore maybe I wasn’t exactly the most suitable person for them, since it is easier to connect with someone your age, and not a 70-year-old grandpa. So, I decided to look into volunteering at prisons.

What exactly does penitentiary volunteering involve?

I have participated in a variety of initiatives. First, I began doing theatre with interns because I had done amateur theatre when I was young. So, together with another student, we worked on theatre exercises with interns until the pandemic hit us.

During the pandemic I began offering English classes, first online and then at the prison, and that lasted three years in total. And at the moment, I participate in a radio programme at Quatre Camins once a week, where we talk about cultural issues.

What were your first impressions when you entered the prison?

“It was a shock. Although I had seen prisons many times in films, it was still shocking. The sound of the doors opening and closing behind you, the bars, the long corridors where the only thing you hear are your footsteps… everything affects you the first time. But like everything, you get used to it and after a while, it becomes familiar.”

What has this volunteering experience given to you?

Knowledge. Knowledge of the world and society. Personally, I believe it helps to break pre-established ideas we have of people in general, and break with topics. You meet very different people and see realities you had no idea existed within your society. It also motivates me: at a time when I am retired, I can be active and it forces me to prepare for the next time I get to share knowledge. In the end, I would say you get more than you give.”

Is there a particular moment that really impressed you?

Yes. While I was offering conversation classes in English, I had a closer relationship with the prisoners, since I could choose the topic of conversation, and I tried to make it intentional so that they could talk and open up to me. And that helped build a more intense relationship with them. I got to know one intern in particular who had a good cultural level and had written books, some of which I had read. This experience was very enriching and it made me see that there are truly many interesting and unique people in our prisons.

Why do you think volunteering in prisons is important?

Maybe what I do, which is offer knowledge, is not the most important thing in particular. But what I am sure about is the importance of volunteers that can be there for prisoners and talk with someone who has no family, someone who is alone and has no one else to turn to. Therefore, I do believe it is important for prisoners to be able to talk with someone from a different environment, even someone they can let off steam with... which they surely cannot do with other in there because of the consequences it may have. But with us they are completely free.

What would you say to encourage others to volunteer?

I would tell them it is a very interesting experience. And I think life is precisely that, the possibility of having experiences, and this is a very useful one. Obviously there are moments when you are only there as help, but the reason I volunteer is the knowledge it gives me. Knowledge about a part of society that is completely unknown to us and that makes it very interesting.

On this International Volunteer Day, we want to highlight the transforming power of the people who dedicate their time and effort to social initiatives, such as those promoted by the Fundació Autònoma Solidària (FAS). Their task goes beyond providing support: they open spaces of accompaniment, listening and hope, contributing to build a more inclusive society.

Joan's story reflects how volunteering not only has a positive impact on the people who benefit from it, but also transforms the outlook and experiences of those who practice it. It is a reminder of the value of connecting with others and the importance of being present in areas where solidarity makes a difference. If you want to know more about Joan's volunteering and his programme “Ràdio Quatre Camins” check this link.

The FAS and the UAB wish to express our deepest gratitude to all volunteers. Your commitment inspires and encourages us to continue working for a more just and humane society. Thank you for being part of it!