The startup taking down corrupt prison communications | Challengers by Freethink

The startup taking down corrupt prison communications | Uzoma Orchingwa | Ameelio
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77% of prisoners in the US will be rearrested within 5 years of their release. One of the biggest predictors of whether a recently released inmate will reoffend is how well they are able to maintain communication with friends and family members.

Research has shown that the more contact a prisoner has with people in the outside world, the less likely they are to re-enter the prison system after release.

The simple solution to the high recidivism rate in the US would seem to be to increase a prisoner’s communication to the outside world. But the harsh, unfortunate reality is that prison communication is inaccessible for most prisoners and their families.

Phone calls, the primary mode of prison communication, are prohibitively expensive for incarcerated people. A third of inmates’ families go into debt just by staying in touch.

That’s why, in 2020, Yale students Uzoma “Zo” Orchingwa and Gabe Saruhashi founded Ameelio, an app that allows inmates and their families to call each other for free.

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Read more of our stories on prison development:
Earning college degrees in prison
Helping moms in prison read to their kids
Learning to code in prison

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About Freethink
No politics, no gossip, no cynics. At Freethink, we believe the daily news should inspire people to build a better world. While most media is fueled by toxic politics and negativity, we focus on solutions: the smartest people, the biggest ideas, and the most ground breaking technology shaping our future.

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[BelowAvwrageGamerTV]

THIS IS BIG TIME GAME CHANGER.
I've been to prison multiple times not being able to call because of money was absolutely brutal.
May God bless this and may it bring some light to a dark situation

[JustMeJH]

Rehabilitation comes in many forms, and I see it at the foundation of this company. Keep at it guys! A prison needs to give prisoners the best chance not to offend again, and your company helps to keep the humanity in that goal.

[Thebreakdownshow]

A big part of the problem is the privatization of the prison system I made a film about this American prison and its just sad how these companies profit from these people.

[LucyObi]

Was not even aware that prisoners paid for their calls, good on you!! ❤

[Luke..luke..luke..]

This guy was in school last year??? He's so mature and grown up!

👌♥️

[chatsagain]

My sister called from jail and the call never went through but there was a $30 charge on my phone bill. For a call that didn't happen! The phone company reluctantly reversed the charge. How can anyone afford these calls? It's legal theft

[dianelewis]

We did it in CT! CT passed legislation that will allow prison phone calls to be free effective 7-1-22!!!

[psychictammy]

Brilliant. Thank you for being the incredible Mavericks you are. So stinking proud of you! You go boys!!

[lovingit]

The people doing this corrupt stuff need jail.

[jaeayala]

Yeessss👏🏼, most of these broke families never get a head up because of the amount of money they spend on phone calls as well as canteen. Yes we need Prison for some people but for drug addiction and mental health we don't. 🙌🏼

[RokeJulianLockhart.souq]

I dont understand this. If it's a standard "application" – meaning an installable package for an OS – then that means that prisoners must have general-purpose devices. If they do, how does this differ from a standard messenger? If they don't, then how is it usable?

[AneudiD]

This will absolutely disrupt the prison communication stronghold because the prison officials can't compete against free.

[pitot]

Your background music is too loud, I was struggling to hear the dialogue. Hope this can be addressed in future videos. Thanks

[johannes-]

I don't really understand, why are calls so expensive, why can't the inmates connect with their families, why is it so hard to send letters?

[reginald]

Use to pay 3.50$ for a 30minute call. It’s absolutely insane

[ClastrCloudGaming]

Great story! Looking forward to see more

[trentpettit]

How ironic is it that prisoners who live in CELLS are denied the rights to use CELL phones?

[Life_as_Game]

Charging prisoners for phone calls, talk about rent seeking!

[paulluckey]

End for profit prisons. And Justice systems, and politics for profit. And medical industry for profit.

[thecalderons]

The two big company must be in fear. Can we get the high profile that have share in jails to join this effort.