Columbia’s Project Eye Opener: A Transformative Initiative to Prevent Youth Crime

Columbia’s Eye-Opening Program Aims to Prevent Youths from a Life of Crime

In the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, a group of young boys took a chilling field trip to a place they never wanted to see—the Kirkland Correctional Institution, a maximum-security prison known for housing some of the most violent offenders. These boys, aged 14-17, are part of the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice and were there not for a school assignment, but for a critical initiative aimed at steering them away from a potential life of crime.

Facing the Reality of Prison Life

As the hot summer sun bore down, these boys walked through the stark and intimidating gates of Kirkland. Among them was a 14-year-old identified as Jeff (a pseudonym), who shared a heavy burden: “My daddy died, and my mama’s on drugs.” Unfortunately, his story isn’t unique, and it resonates deeply with the hardships many young people face in their upbringing.

The program they were participating in, called Project Eye Opener, was initiated by Willie Davis, the regional director overseeing seven adult prisons for the Department of Corrections. The goal? To expose these at-risk kids to the blunt realities of adult prison life, hoping to shift the course of their futures.

The Inmates’ Harsh Lessons

In a cavernous room, the boys listened intently as seasoned inmates, clad in orange jumpsuits, shared their experiences of life behind bars. “I’ve been in prison 27 years,” one inmate began, a haunting reminder that many of these boys weren’t even alive when he first entered. He continued, “All it takes to get here is a moment in time. Wrong people, wrong place, wrong time.”

These inmates didn’t sugarcoat their stories. They warned the boys about the life changes that come with incarceration—the loss of freedom, family ties, and sometimes even hope. “When you come in here, you lose everything you value,” another inmate cautioned while sharing touching anecdotes of family moments lost—like hearing a granddaughter ask when he’d be coming home.

Making Connections

While some boys fidgeted in their seats, feigning disinterest, others listened with rapt attention. The mix of responses was palpable, but the reality of the situation was emerging clearly. Project Eye Opener isn’t just about scaring these youths; it’s a heartfelt effort to reach them before their paths grow darker.

Willie Davis, the program’s architect, explained that while he could have retired, he chooses to remain in his position, driven by a desire to make a difference. “I’m hoping we can reach them before they commit more serious crimes,” he said. “It will be worth it if we can change just one life.”

The Bigger Picture

South Carolina is facing a troubling reality—some of the highest rates of at-risk juveniles in the nation. Factors contributing to this crisis often stem from unstable home environments. Without strong family support, many youths seek connection in all the wrong places, notably gangs.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott shared an alarming perspective on gang culture, articulating how organized crime is targeting the youth in Columbia and beyond. “They’re smart, organized, and cold-blooded,” he warned. The idea that gangs serve as a family for those lacking one is a stark reminder of the critical need for intervention programs like Project Eye Opener.

A Glimmer of Hope

As the boys prepared to leave Kirkland, Willie Davis made a point to engage with a few of them. He inquired about their interests and future plans, striving to be a positive role model amidst their challenges. His hope is to plant seeds of change in their minds, ensuring they understand there are alternatives to the path they’re currently on.

In closing, the journey through the prison walls offered much more than a simple tour; it provided a vital wake-up call for these young minds. With programs like Project Eye Opener, there remains a glimmer of hope that proactive measures can result in fewer sunny days spent behind bars, and instead, a future filled with promise and opportunities for all the Jeffs of the world.