Three years ago, Mark's* life took a turn for the worst. He was arrested and charged with robbery with violence.

But despite the traumatic ordeal, nothing could have prepared him for life after prison.

"As much as I was accepted back into society two years ago, it has been hard to get a stable job, to be a family man, it has been difficult and I regret what I did," says Mark.

He admits to the crime that led to him spending three years in prison. Years he says he has lost and continues to lose as a result of his actions.

"I wish I could turn back the years, but since I cannot, I advise young people not to get involved in crime because of the bitter consequences," he laments.

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But as the popular saying goes, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade", Mark has not given up and that is why he, like many others like him, found himself at the Midrift Hurinet organisation.

Midrift in collaboration with various stakeholders such as Uwezo Fund and Youth Fund come together to create opportunities for reformed individuals.

At the forum, the organisation explained the importance of being in groups that share the same skills or mindset to engage in local businesses.

"The programme started in October last year and is supposed to take place twice a month to formulate our theme, which is peace and security," says Jacques Karani, Midrift's communications officer.

According to Mr Karani, of the 100 people who attended the forum, 50 were 'at risk youth', while the remaining 50 were people who live in vulnerable places.

The At risk youth, who are mostly ex-convicts, face the harsh reality that the majority of people are unwilling to believe that they are changed and therefore they are rejected and hardly employed.

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"The importance of holding such forums every month emphasises the importance of giving second chances to 'at risk youth' to showcase their talents and skills," he notes.

Mr Karani explains that the Midrift Hurinet organisation and various stakeholders come up with a way of providing the 'at-risk youth' with tools to use the skills they have learnt behind bars.

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How ex-convicts deal with life after prison

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