Overview
Asha Deep Trust of Apostolic Carmel is actively involved in four correctional facilities in West Bengal: Alipore Women’s Correctional Home, Baruipur Central Correctional Home, Burdwan Central Correctional Home (Female Ward), and Dum Dum Central Correctional Home (Female Ward). With the authorization of the Additional Director General and Inspector General of Correctional Services in West Bengal, we conduct regular visits to the inmates to address their various needs. Our dedicated staff supervises their activities and provides daily training across all correctional homes, with some of our trainers being former inmates themselves.
Education and Counselling
Under the leadership of Sister Alexia and the Udayini Social Action Forum, we initiated a prison ministry focused on counseling inmates and educating their children at Presidency Correctional Home. Since 2007, guided by the Jesuits, Asha Deep Trust has launched numerous projects aimed at uplifting the morale of inmates and offering occupational therapy, thereby fostering personal growth and rehabilitation.
Vocational Training
We provide a range of vocational training programs, including sewing, knitting, embroidery, sanitary napkin production, pearl bag making, and chord bag making, for interested inmates. Those who participate in tailoring courses are eligible to take exams after six months for a Basic Tailoring Course and after one year for a Diploma Course conducted by SINGER INDIA LTD, upon successful completion of which they receive certificates. This certification enhances their prospects for employment or enables them to establish their own tailoring businesses upon release.
Production and Savings Habits
Inmates skilled in sewing produce garments for both women and men based on orders, receiving payment directly in their bank accounts, as advised by correctional authorities. For those without bank accounts, wages are disbursed through the prison office. Additionally, talented knitters create woolen items, while some inmates engage in embroidery work, crafting bags adorned with chords and pearls. The prison department has granted us a stall at the Alipore Jail Museum to showcase and sell these handcrafted items, managed by the prison’s press staff.
Inmates skilled in producing sanitary napkins are actively engaged in this work, supplying all correctional homes with products priced at Rs 4.00 each, a rate set by the Inspector General of Correctional Homes. We provide all necessary raw materials for this production.
Family Outreach
We prioritize the well-being of inmates’ families by visiting them to facilitate connections with their incarcerated loved ones. We offer moral support and, when necessary, financial assistance. Our efforts extend to assisting their children with educational needs, placing them in boarding schools, and ensuring regular visits to support their growth.
Rehabilitation of Inmates
We are committed to the rehabilitation of female inmates who are in need, providing support as they reintegrate into society after being granted bail. Through our comprehensive programs, we aim to foster a sense of hope and empowerment, preparing them for a positive future.
Health Care
Asha Deep Trust takes pride in its dedicated team of doctors and nurses who deliver regular health care to inmates through both homeopathic and allopathic treatments. They organize medical and eye camps, ensuring comprehensive health services. Additionally, we provide further medical assistance as requested by the welfare officers.
Other Events
We host a variety of events to enrich the inmates’ experience, including fashion shows and exhibitions showcasing items crafted by the inmates. Celebrations for festivals and special occasions such as Raksha Bandhan, Vishwakarma Puja, Elderly Day, Women’s Day, Children’s Outings, Sports Day, Bhai Phota, and Christmas are integral to our activities. These events foster a sense of community and joy, contributing to the inmates’ emotional well-being.
