What we saw

Almost all the women and children wore blank, lethargic expressions. No activity for inmates, hence women spent most of their day either sleeping, fighting or gossiping- there was no difference between night and day. No special activity or provision for children no proper medical care for the women and children No jail doctor-only a pharmacist to give medicines. Children upto the age of 16 were being kept in women's jail-including one fifteen year old boy barracks had no fans.

We felt

Education classes for women and children were urgently required some form of spiritual activity needed to be started the women and children required counseling and guidance. There was an urgent need for a doctor -preferably female vocational training courses should be started for the women.

We started

Classes for children - The balwari helps provide a healthier atmosphere for the children.
The main aim of the balwari is to:

• Channel the energy of these children in a positive direction
  
  
• Make them feel as normal as possible by providing a more child friendly environment within the jail
  
  
• Strengthen their psycho motor development through various innovative methods
  
  
• Individual history sheets and background of each child are maintained

Adult literacy for women

Stitching and embroidery classes for women
At present there are 27 ladies attending the stitching and embroidery classes daily there is scope for starting one more batch as well .

Ladies are encouraged to make machine and hand embroidered items, which are then marketed through the help of volunteers, by which they learn to become economically self-dependant

Fabric painting for women

Weekly counseling of women

Weekly visit by lady doctor- our lady doctor visits the prison once in a week to see the women and children
Medical records of all the children are being maintained by the organization

Spirituality
Yoga, meditation, vipassana and the art of living are a part of our agenda

Composting
With the expertise of excel industries, the organization was able to start a composting programme in prison

Legal aid
In collaboration with other organizations and individuals, legal aid, counseling and assistance is provided to the inmates

The focus of the prison Programmes are

• Constructive use and management of time
• Providing an alternative to crime
  
• Channeling their energy in the positive direction
• Rebuilding their confidence and self-esteem and preparing them to face the world with courage and dignity

The impact
Children look much happier and brighter.
Children are more polite and respectful.
Women are utilizing their time constructively and are making very attractive items.