The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Children (Sparc) in coordination with Sindh Prison Department provided recreational facilities to Youth Offenders Industrial School (YOIS) at the Central Prison Karachi with the view to enhance civilian and non-civilian capacity to counter violent extremist narratives with a focus on vulnerable populations.

On the occasion, Inspector General of Prison Nusrat Mangan was the chief guest along with Deputy Inspector General of Women Prison & YOIS, Sindh, Sheeba Shah, Superintendent YOIS & Correctional Facilities Karachi Gul Muhammad Sheikh and others.

IG Prison Nusrat Mangan said that through this initiative juveniles are assisted by providing them with IT skills so that they are able to use the computer and technical skills to potentially enhance their professional capacity post incarceration.

Early years in a child's life lay the groundwork for the choices that the child makes in the future. The Constitution of Pakistan privileges the right to free and compulsory education for all children up till 16 years of age.

However, little progress was made in the past for children in prisons. Such recreational facilities provided for the children living in prison were limited to food and general medical coverage only.

A computer lab was established in the YOIS. A gaming room is also established at the YOIS facility in Karachi. This initiative aims to perceive benefits in terms of a positive impact on prison life and culture, preparation for release, improved attitudes, thinking and behaviour and in promoting desistance from crime.

Shumaila from Sparc said, "Sparc has conducted a project at the Youthful Offenders Industrial School Karachi to re-socialise the children and youth into the fold of society through techniques of positive behaviour. The project over a period of 12 months worked to incorporate Non-Formal Education, Computer Literacy and Life Skill Based Education among 120 juveniles.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019