Children’s Day with VOLONTÉ and the Yellow Ribbon in Jiřice Prison: Parents Ran with Their Children for the First Time

On Wednesday, 21 May 2025, Jiřice Prison hosted an exceptional Children’s Day event, which became part of the 10th anniversary edition of the Yellow Ribbon Run. For the first time ever, the run included incarcerated parents and their children — taking place directly behind prison walls. It was a powerful and deeply emotional moment that confirmed how essential family and community are as key supports for a new beginning.

The event was organized by VOLONTÉ CZECH in cooperation with the Yellow Ribbon initiative and Jiřice Prison.

“Working with the families of incarcerated individuals is the cherry on top of both penitentiary and post-penitentiary care. It’s an extremely sensitive area that can help inmates and their families when done right — but it can also do harm if done poorly. That’s why we approach these activities with deep respect and, in the spirit of our Children’s Day motto, we help build bonds stronger than bars,” said Lukáš Salivar, Director of VOLONTÉ CZECH.

VOLONTÉ’s activities are only possible thanks to the strong involvement of our team and a range of cooperating organizations and individuals. For instance, Deputy Minister of Justice Karel Dvořák volunteered at the event. He has long been engaged with the issue of incarceration and family support, and he also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Run himself.

In addition to the run, children enjoyed a variety of games and fun activities — but above all, they cherished the time spent together with their families.

“Combining the Children’s Day and the Yellow Ribbon Run brought double the joy — cheering for dad, running with him, and experiencing a day as a family. For many children and their loved ones, it meant smiles, joy, and precious memories during a difficult time. Being part of such moments brings hope and happiness to everyone involved — no matter who they are,” said Tina Chlupáčová, VOLONTÉ’s coordinator for Children’s Days.

The strong emotional impact of the day was reflected in the reactions of those present. One partner of an incarcerated father shared:

“We really enjoyed it, so much. We hadn’t been outside together for three years — that’s such a long time. I was so nervous, even though we had all been looking forward to it. Suddenly you’re standing next to each other, freely, and you don’t even know what to say or how to act. I couldn’t believe it — I just watched my partner running with the kids, and how happy they were. Thank you so much. I really hope we’ll get to meet again like this.”

The Children’s Day event was also supported in person by:

• Gabriela Slováková, Director of the Yellow Ribbon Run

• Barbora Černošková, journalist and patron of children of incarcerated parents

• Lipo, rapper and musician

• Zdeněk Herman, Director of Jiřice Prison

• Representatives of the Yellow Ribbon community, who have long supported the reintegration of people with a criminal past

💛 Children’s Days help build bonds stronger than bars — and that’s what changes lives.

This unique day was part of a broader series of Children’s Days that VOLONTÉ CZECH organizes in prisons across the country. More events are coming soon:

📅 31 May 2025 – Children’s Day at Světlá nad Sázavou Prison

📅 15 June 2025 – Children’s Day at Kynšperk nad Ohří Prison

📅 21 June 2025 – Children’s Day at Rýnovice Prison

The event was held as part of the project VOL Rodinu (Project ID: CZ.03.02.02/00/22_017/0000254), funded by the Operational Programme Employment Plus.