“Kid C.A.T.”; does the name sound familiar? It’s not the candy bar you are thinking of, rather the newest addition to the San Quentin’s Inmate Leisure Time Activity Group (ILTAG) family. Kid C.A.T. (Creating Awareness Together) is comprised of a group of men who committed their crimes while under the age of 18 and who are currently serving life sentences. Last month, the number of this specific population decreased by one.
The idea of the group was born by the founders’ desire to be active participants of change, not only in their own lives but also in the lives of at-risk youth. A relatively small group, a number that reflects the entire population of young lifers, their mission is one of huge proportions. Currently, Kid C.A.T. is working on a self-help curriculum that will help men gain an understanding of themselves from a childhood development perspective. A pamphlet for new arrivals, a collection of personal stories, and a documentary are also under way, just to name a few of their endeavors. Filming begins in July. The members are not yet ready to expose all of their ideas, realizing the importance of organization and prioritizing.
Kid C.A.T.’s Executive Secretary, Borey Ai, said, “Kid C.A.T. gives me a chance to make amends and correct the wrongs in my life. It is my hope that my story will serve as an example to the youth of how one moment of poor judgment can affect so many lives. Most importantly, I want the youth to know that they can do great things in life, if only they choose to do so.” Ai, who is currently working on his Associates of Arts degree through Prison University Project, committed his crime at the age of 14.
Recently, one of Kid C.A.T.’s founders received a parole date from Governor Jerry Brown. Tung Nguyen, who served 18 years for a sentence of 15 to life, returned to his family in Orange County. While incarcerated at San Quentin, Tung took advantage of the many opportunities to better himself.