The air inside Milan’s Bollate prison, often heavy with the weight of past mistakes and uncertain futures, is now tinged with a new scent: that of hope. It’s a hope carried on the words of inmates like Maila Conti and Alessio, who, alongside a dozen entrepreneurs and managers from Confimprese member companies, are forging a new narrative for those behind bars.
A Plea for a Second Chance
“The most recurrent request is ‘to have a second chance’.” This simple, yet profound desire echoes through the prison walls, a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. Inmates, some of whom have spent years disconnected from the outside world, yearn for normality, for the dignity that work provides. This sentiment was palpable during a recent meeting organized to connect Confimprese companies, facing a shortage of about 10,000 workers in trade, with a potential reservoir of human resources within Bollate prison.
For companies, this initiative represents a step forward in social sustainability, a chance to contribute meaningfully to society while addressing their staffing needs. For the prisoners, it’s an invaluable opportunity for reintegration, a bridge to a life beyond incarceration where they can re-enter the workforce immediately after serving their sentences.
Bollate: A Microcosm of Society
Milan’s Bollate prison is a complex ecosystem, housing 1,648 inmates. Among them are approximately 200 women, 83 lifers (58 of whom are over 70), and a diverse, multiracial population with an average age of about 40, including many under 25. This heterogeneity underscores the varied backgrounds and potential within its walls.
A significant number of inmates, 208 to be precise, are admitted to Article 21, a penal system provision that allows them to leave prison for work, study, or voluntary activities. Another 46 benefit from a semi-freedom regime. Furthermore, 175 inmates are employed within the institution itself, engaged in a range of activities organized by a dozen cooperatives and societies. These activities are surprisingly diverse, spanning from small metal carpentry and industrial glassworks to publishing and tailoring. There’s even a restaurant, ‘In galera’, and a hi-tech workshop that is part of the Cisco Networking Academy, proving that opportunities for skill development are abundant.
Voices from Within: The Power of Work and Education
For these working inmates, the experience mirrors that of the outside world, with fixed-term or open-ended contracts. Beyond work, education is a cornerstone of their rehabilitation. All inmates are offered the chance to study in middle school and high school sections, as well as university courses, supported by a team of educators dedicated to developing comprehensive education, training, and reintegration pathways.
Maila Conti, a former vigilante whose life was centered on work before a personal tragedy led her to prison, articulates the profound impact of this initiative. “The thing that destroyed me here was not having a job. We need to do, we need companies that give us confidence, work gives dignity.” Maila, who now works for a cooperative inside the prison and is enrolled at university, plans to become a doctor. She passionately tells the Confimprese members, “We are people who will give you a lot. We need you.”
Elena, another inmate, never worked before her incarceration and comes from a criminal family. Her escape route has been through theatre and acting. “I went out in foster care to act. Let’s not lose the will and hope that there will be a second chance,” she remarks, emphasizing that prison is fundamentally about people. Elena’s dedication extends to extensive study, having earned a law degree, a master’s, and now pursuing Economics and Business as a private student.
Alessio’s Journey: From Inmate to HR Consultant
The story of Alessio, a young man in his thirties who recently left prison, is a powerful testament to the success of this teamwork. Twelve years ago, at the age of 18, he committed a serious crime. “After hitting rock bottom it took me years to build my future, to invest in giving myself a future,” he shares. During his time in prison, he immersed himself in books, studied economics and business, and worked relentlessly to earn his way to Article 21, securing first a fixed-term, then a permanent contract.
Upon entering the workplace, Alessio was determined to prove his worth. He recounts the initial apprehension of his employer when introducing him to new colleagues. “The owner of the company thought ‘we’ve bitten off more than we can chew’ when it came time to introduce me to my new colleagues. In a meeting I started from the end by googling what everyone would do next. ‘This is Alessio’. So I broke the barriers and my colleagues became like a second family.” Today, Alessio is a successful HR consultant, a journey made possible by the collaborative efforts of Giorgio Leggieri, director of Milan Bollate prison, Roberto Bezzi, head of training, co-workers, volunteers, and prison police staff.
The Challenges and Rewards of Reintegration
The path for those utilizing Article 21 is not without its challenges. It is punctuated by strict obligations, where even a trivial delay due to public transport can, in serious cases, lead to the loss of benefits. However, Roberto Bezzi highlights a significant advantage for employers: “Whoever hires a prisoner has a very low absenteeism rate, while among other colleagues there are those who complain that ours work too much.” By offering employment, society contributes to lowering the level of social danger, fostering a more secure community for all.
Companies Stepping Up
Director Leggieri notes that while many companies explore Article 21 opportunities, few are from the retail sector. Confimprese’s involvement aims to change this, with proposals that combine training and education with practical work experience. Nau!, an optical shop chain, has already successfully reintegrated two individuals through a similar project and has an optical school that can train future optometrists. Enel’s Lombardy directorate has also had a positive experience with a small test involving a cooperative.
Further opportunities are emerging from companies like La casa de la Carcacas, a chain selling customized mobile phone covers. Roberto Bonati, president of Celio Italia (clothing), shared a positive placement experience in Turin, acknowledging that time management can be a concern, but this can be addressed through collaboration with prison administration and the judiciary to coordinate shifts and travel. La Piadineria plans to repeat its successful experience with two workers, one of whom remains on staff. Similarly, L’Erbolario, which has collaborated with Lodi prison, is now exploring further possibilities for partnership, as expressed by Giulia Bergamaschi of the family business.
The stories emerging from Milan’s Bollate prison are a powerful reminder that second chances, when coupled with support and opportunity, can transform lives and strengthen communities. The collaboration between Confimprese and the prison system is not just about filling job vacancies; it’s about rebuilding dignity, fostering hope, and offering a tangible path to a brighter future for those who have paid their debt to society.
Source: https://en.ilsole24ore.com/art/the-confimprese-system-is-looking-for-new-human-resources-in-milan-bollate-prison-AIc5ixx
