Female inmates of Maafushi Prison tasked with sweeping the staff area

As part of Maldives Correctional Service’s efforts to make the time spent at the prisons productive and effective, female inmates at Maafushi Prison have been tasked with sweeping the staff area.

The sweeping was previously carried out by the staff and employing staff for such work was proving to be a burden on the budget for the Service. As a solution, having inmates do the work for an allowance is beneficial for both parties as the Service can cut costs while inmates can do productive work an earn something instead of staying inside their cells with depressing thoughts. The activity also falls in line with Maldives Correctional Service’s efforts to rehabilitate inmates for successful reintegration into society. There are currently 13 female inmates who are involved in the activity.

In addition to the sweeping activity, Maldives Correctional Service continues to conduct various courses for female inmates. Currently there are Qari level 2 and 3 courses, Quran Basic Course, Islam classes and agriculture courses on going at the Prison with participation from 90 per cent of the inmates.