Preparing them for a normal life

The nursery for inmates’ children at the women’s prison in Dubai is built on an area of 658 square metres and includes eight rooms, each with a capacity of seven beds. Next to each bed, a baby cradle has been placed. Indoor games are provided for children as well as they are encouraged to exercise daily. A small clinic, a dining hall and hall for activities and events, an educational room and area for reception and surveillance are also part of the nursery.

“The officials at the centre are developing methodologies and mechanisms to provide all the basic needs for the children as per international standards as the aim of Punitive and Correctional Establishment is not just to punish the inmates, but also to rehabilitate them. This makes sure that they will return to the community as good people, said Brigadier-General Ali Al Shamali, Director of the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments of the Dubai Police.

“We teach them specialised programmes in order to improve their life. Thus we contribute to training them in certain professions and support them when they leave here. It will help them lead their lives in a good way,” he said.

The specialised courses, training and educational programmes provided to women inmates include handicraft works, fashion designing, home decoration, sewing, embroidery, art work, work on gifts and antiques, household accessories as well as games, sculpturing and painting.

He also said that the police were providing humanitarian support for children of inmates during religious and social events. Special events are organised on Eid days as well as other occasions for mothers and children to bring joy to their hearts.

The Dubai Police and concerned departments continuously review the needs of children and their mothers regarding education, social programmes, and other activities so that both the children and mothers live happily.