CAPIO
Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organization
One of the first apostolates in which the first Discalced Carmelite Friars who came to Nigeria became involved with was in the prisons. Having been invited to celebrate Mass at the prison in Enugu when the chaplain was away, they were shocked by the conditions they found in the prisons: overcrowding - there were then 2000 prisoners in a building designed for 200; poor sanitation, poor ventilation, large numbers of Awaiting Trial Inmates, poor food, outbreaks of dangerous infections and lack of medical facilities to cope with them.
Consequently, they began to work to improve conditions. They invited people with professional skills such as lawyers and doctors to offer their services to the prisoners. One of the most pressing needs was prisoners who were imprisoned on false evidence, some of whom were on death row. Lawyers worked to have them freed. Social workers liaised with the prisoners families. Medical personnel cared for sick prisoners, and so on. Prison ministry became a central part of Carmelite ministry. As the work extended it became necessary to organize it more and CAPIO – Carmelite Prisoners Interests Organization was born. CAPIO has its head office at the Mt. Carmel Priory in Enugu.
CAPIO provides medical care for sick prisoners and supplies equipment for training facilities in Nigerian Prisons. Care is also offered to prison staff particularly in the area of medical needs.
CAPIO looks after the spiritual and social needs of prisoners and their families.
CAPIO arranges for families who live at a distance to visit inmates.
CAPIO helps rehabilitate prisoners by preparing them for release, helping them re-insert themselves into their communities and find employment.
CAPIO carries out campaigns to make people aware of the needs of prisoners. Through the CAPIO Awareness Week, issues relating to prisoners' needs and welfare are discussed in symposia, debates and drama.
CAPIO also has a youth wing which trains young people to go into schools and help students become aware of the plight of prisoners.
"I was in prison and you came to visit me."
For most of us prisons do not feature in our everyday life,much less prisons in other countries. Since 1989, Carmelites have been caring for the needs of Prisoners and their families in Nigeria.
YOU CAN HELP CAPIO
Please contact:
CAPIO National Coordinator
P.O.Box 3612 Enugu
Enugu State,
Nigeria.
Email: capio@carmelnigeria.com
