BRUSHES, RAKES AND A SECOND CHANCE: BÉE SAYS THANK YOU!

The school walls, the oratory and the village’s green spaces: in Bée, people in prison have helped care for places used in everyday life. After a year of shared activities, the municipality chose to recognise their contribution with a public thank-you.

The project brings together the municipality of Bée, Verbania prison and the prison-volunteering association Camminare Insieme. The agreement and activity programme were developed in 2025, involving local organisations too.

A meeting at the prison in early October 2026 reviewed the first year. The newspaper reports that more than ten prison volunteers took part over twelve months. This is unpaid volunteering, not paid employment: an opportunity to contribute to community life.

From the school to public green spaces

The tasks included plastering and painting at the school, painting and cleaning at the oratory, repainting in neighbourhoods and caring for green spaces. Work took place at the multipurpose area, cemetery and main square, among other locations.

There were shared experiences too: meals with local officials and volunteers and visits to the Buddhist Centre in Albagnano. Working together and sitting around the same table offer different ways to get to know one another.

A thank-you with a future

At the meeting, the municipality gave participants certificates of appreciation. These are intended to serve as references for their CVs after their sentences end. It recognises their experience and commitment.

The report adds that other people in prison have asked to join future activities. Organisers want to continue the project and share it with other communities.

Why this story matters to us

A second chance can take the shape of a paintbrush, a shared meal or a public thank-you. A person’s contribution does not end with their mistakes.

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