Columbia’s Eye-Opening Initiative: A Glimpse Inside the Walls of Kirkland Correctional Institution
On a sweltering August day in Columbia, South Carolina, a group of young boys found themselves stepping into a reality they never expected to face. Among them was 14-year-old Jeff, who, despite his young age, carries a heavy burden. “My daddy died, and my mama’s on drugs,” he shared, leaving a poignant reminder of the hardships many of these boys have encountered.
This wasn’t a day for field trips or joyous excursions. Instead, Jeff and 20 other boys, aged 14 to 17, were sent to the Kirkland Correctional Institution. This maximum-security adult prison serves as a stark reminder of the choices they face—and the potential futures that await them if they continue down the wrong path.
A Startling Reality Check
The visit is part of a unique program known as Project Eye Opener. Its purpose is simple yet powerful: to confront the youths with the raw realities of prison life, encouraging them to make better choices. Under the guidance of Willie Davis, the regional director overseeing seven South Carolina prisons, this program seeks to intervene before these kids become inmates themselves.
As the boys entered the cavernous lecture room, they found themselves face to face with long-time inmates dressed in striking orange jumpsuits. The atmosphere was tense, with each boy bracing themselves for the stories they were about to hear. One inmate, who had been incarcerated for 27 years—a lifetime for any individual—spoke candidly about lost time. “That’s longer than any of you have been alive. I ain’t seen any of my grandkids, but I’ve seen a lot of men come in here. They all tough at first. They end up cryin’,” he recalled.
More than Just Bars and Walls
The sobering tales didn’t stop there. Inmates offered blunt warnings about losing everything of value to them—“All your nice clothes and video games are gone. Trust me, you ain’t ready for it.” Another inmate directed a pointed look at one of the boys: “You a pretty boy, ain’t you? I’m gonna take that away from you if you come in here.” This stark reality of prison life—its brutality and heartbreak—was laid bare before them.
“It only takes a moment in time for your life to change,” one inmate urged. Some boys squirmed and fidgeted, while others feigned disinterest. But for many, the message hit home.
A Diligent Mission
Willie Davis, who could have retired two years ago, feels a deep calling to this initiative. “I’ve stayed because I feel like I can help,” he shared. Recognizing the overwhelming impact of a troubled upbringing, he aims to reach at-risk youth before they spiral into lives dominated by crime. “These kids are in the DJJ system, but their crimes are not as serious. I’m hoping we can reach them before they commit more serious crimes. It will be worth it if we can change just one life.”
South Carolina faces significant challenges with at-risk juveniles. With many factors at play, Davis pinpoints a lack of supportive family life as a critical issue. “If they don’t have a good family life at home, they’re going to find it on the streets. Gangs become family for kids who don’t have real families at home,” he explains, highlighting the increasing gang presence threatening the youth.
A Ray of Hope
As the day wrapped up, Willie took time to speak individually with several boys. He asked about their interests, pushing them to think about their futures. For some, he could be a positive male role model they desperately need. “I can’t save a generation, but I’m doing my part to reach at least a few,” he emphasized.
Returning to the bustling city streets, the boys left Kirkland Correctional Institution carrying something precious: a glimpse of what could be. With a program like Project Eye Opener, there’s hope that lives can change for the better, and young boys can be steered away from the harsh realities of adult prison life.
