The Peace Education Program (PEP) has made a significant impact in Costa Rica, transforming lives in one of the country’s most challenging correctional facilities. This innovative program, created by Prem Rawat and The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF), has been running successfully at the Vilma Curling Rivera Penitentiary Center since 2019.
A Different Approach to Rehabilitation
Located in San Rafael de Alajuela, the Vilma Curling Rivera Penitentiary Center houses individuals convicted of serious crimes, including homicide and sexual offenses. Despite these challenging circumstances, the Peace Education Program has flourished, offering participants a unique opportunity for personal transformation and self-discovery.
The program consists of ten carefully designed courses that help participants explore their inner resources and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Through video presentations featuring Prem Rawat’s insights, group discussions, and reflective exercises, inmates discover practical ways to find inner peace and contentment, regardless of their external circumstances.
Real Stories of Change
The impact of PEP on participants has been profound. One inmate, who has spent eight years in the facility, shared how the program helped him overcome deep-seated anger and resentment. “I was filled with rage and couldn’t forgive those who had hurt me,” he explained. “But through this program, I learned to let go of that burden and find peace within myself.”
Another participant credited PEP with saving his life. After attempting suicide and struggling with depression, he found hope through the program’s teachings. “It gave me a reason to live and showed me that happiness comes from within,” he said. “Now I wake up each day with gratitude and purpose.”
Breaking Down Barriers
What makes the Peace Education Program particularly effective is its non-judgmental approach. The program doesn’t focus on participants’ past mistakes or crimes. Instead, it emphasizes their potential for positive change and their inherent dignity as human beings.
This approach has resonated strongly with inmates who often feel defined by their worst moments. As one participant noted, “This program sees us as people, not just prisoners. It gives us tools to rebuild ourselves from the inside out.”
Growing Recognition and Support
The success of PEP at Vilma Curling Rivera has attracted attention from prison officials and administrators throughout Costa Rica. The program’s positive effects on inmate behavior, mental health, and overall prison atmosphere have been clearly documented.
Guards and staff members have observed noticeable changes in participants, including reduced aggression, improved communication skills, and greater emotional stability. These improvements contribute to a safer environment for everyone in the facility.
A Model for Rehabilitation
The Peace Education Program in Costa Rica demonstrates that meaningful rehabilitation is possible, even in maximum-security settings. By focusing on inner development rather than external punishment, PEP offers a complementary approach to traditional correctional programs.
The program’s success has inspired interest in expanding PEP to other correctional facilities in Costa Rica and throughout Latin America. Prison administrators recognize that helping inmates develop inner peace and self-awareness can be a powerful tool for reducing recidivism and supporting successful reintegration into society.
Looking Forward
As the Peace Education Program continues at Vilma Curling Rivera, its impact extends beyond individual participants. Family members report positive changes in their loved ones, and the program has created a ripple effect of hope throughout the prison community.
The success in Costa Rica adds to the growing body of evidence supporting PEP’s effectiveness. With programs now running in correctional facilities across multiple continents, the Peace Education Program is proving that personal peace is not only possible but can be a catalyst for broader social transformation.
For those interested in learning more about the Peace Education Program or supporting its expansion, The Prem Rawat Foundation continues to work with correctional facilities, community organizations, and volunteers worldwide to make this transformative program available to those who can benefit most from its message of hope and inner strength.
