Erjugen Meta is an Albanian man based in Milan, who spent almost twenty years in prison. Today, thanks to the classes he took while he was behind bars, he’s a luthier, earning a living by making musical instruments. His story is more unique than common.
According to Antigone, the Italian jail observer association, in 2023 just 32,6% of inmates had a job, and only 3,2% of them worked for external employers – the majority were employed by the prison administration in low-skilled jobs: food deliveries or cleaners.
Meta was one of those lucky 3,2% who has had the chance to learn a profession and earn a living with it, teaching people like Ergys.
The training and work start-up project that Meta and Ergys benefited from came about thanks to the Fondazione Casa dello Spirito e delle Arti, which has worked for years in Italian prisons to bring solidarity. Both Meta and Ergys currently work for the Foundation.
Film by Sara Lemlem
Edited by Quentin Teissier
Produced in collaboration with @erebmedia
