When Bello Musa was released from Kaduna Correctional Centre after serving a four-year sentence, he carried two things with him: a carpentry certification from our vocational program and a referral letter to our reintegration team.

That was 18 months ago. Today, Bello runs a small furniture workshop from a rented space in Kawo, employing two other young men — one of them a former inmate himself.

“When I came out, I had ₦3,000 and a phone number,” he says, laughing. “Hearts Beyond Bars connected me with a carpenter who needed an apprentice. I worked there eight months, learned business, saved money. Now this is mine.”

Our reintegration program provides:

■ Accommodation support for the first 30 days post-release

■ Business starter grants for graduates with viable plans

■ Mentorship from successful reintegration graduates

■ Employment placement in partner businesses

■ Continued psychosocial support for 12 months

Bello’s workshop has generated over ₦1.2 million in revenue in its first year. He pays taxes. He pays his rent. He calls his mother every Sunday.

“I am not my worst moment,” he says quietly. “This program helped me prove that.”