Literacy centre inaugurated in jail

BATTAGRAM: In a significant step towards promoting education and rehabilitation, a literacy centre was formally inaugurated in the prison on Thursday.

Officials said the centre was established in collaboration with the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) and the initiative was aimed at providing educational opportunities to illiterate prisoners, empowering them academically and socially.

During the inauguration ceremony, books, notebooks and other educational materials were distributed among prisoners. The officials said that the inmates would be equipped with essential literacy skills, helping them reintegrate into society as productive citizens after completing their sentences.

Members of the civil society lauded the establishment of the literacy centre and termed it a much-needed intervention. “Education has the power to transform lives. By educating prisoners, we are not only addressing their individual needs but also taking a vital step toward reducing crime in the future,” said a local human rights activist.

Prisoners expressed gratitude for the opportunity, with many describing it as a new chapter in their lives. “I never had the chance to go to school due to financial hardships. This centre has given me hope that I can still learn and make something of my life,” shared one of the prisoners.

The families of prisoners also appreciated the initiative. “We were heartbroken when our son was sent to jail, but hearing that he is now getting an education gives us hope for a brighter future,” said the father of one of the inmates.

Officials at the ceremony emphasised the transformative role of education in rehabilitation. They expressed the hope that more such centres would be opened in prisons nationwide. “The collaboration between NCHD and Battagram Sub-Jail demonstrates a commitment to providing a second chance to those who need it the most,” said one of the officials.