Some of the works of Kajang Prison inmates under the Inno-Youth project.
KAJANG Prison inmate Mohammad Rashid, 16, has never used a computer in his life.
Mohammad Rashid is one of 250 participants of Inno-Youth (Innovative Youth): Empowering Kajang Prison Inmates (Youths) in Digital Micro-Enterprises — a social project launched by Prihatin Social Malaysia (Prihatin Malaysia) last year.
The lad has been in the prison for the past 10 months for possessing stolen goods. He is currently being held on remand and his court hearing is in September.
He left school at Standard Six with no clear direction of what he wanted to do with his life. The kampung boy had a normal childhood until his friends asked him to keep a stolen bike.
“This programme has created an awareness that you can use information and communications technology (ICT) skills to make a living and I'm looking forward to open a small printing business (for name cards, wedding cards and brochures, for example) once I'm released. I am sure my parents will be proud of me,” says Mohammad Rashid, happily.
He also intends to produce personalised creative items such as T-shirts and mugs.
His fellow participants echo similar sentiments. Kumaresan knew nothing about computers. Now, the 17-year-old says he has picked up some ICT skills in prison at no cost.
He was an average Sijil Penilaian Menengah Rendah student and had many friends. His father died a few years ago and his mother supported him by doing odd jobs.
Kumaresan was arrested in connection with a breaking-and-entering case involving RM4,000 in 2006. Currently being held on remand, his release date will be known after the verdict in July.
Kumaresan, who is known to be a quiet and an obedient boy, never created any problems while in prison and is respected by the other inmates.
He has not decided on what he intends to do when he is released.
Kumaresan says most companies do not employ former offenders, although he is willing to do any work to support his family.
“But I am not worried now. I am thankful to be taught how to use a computer,” he says.
Excited about ICT, he plans to continue his studies in this field. “I can do computer design work and my family will be surprised at what I have gained from the programme.
“I also learned about education and funding opportunities. I am thankful to be a participant in this wonderful project.”
Ah Chai, 22, who is serving 10 years for a murder charge, is grateful for the opportunity.
He had a pleasant childhood. His father is a businessman, his mother, a housewife.
Ah Chai, who will be released in July 2010, intends to further his studies in computer science and other related fields. "I like graphic design and three-dimension animation," he says, excitedly. He also plans to help his father in his business.
“I never expected that there will be ICT training in prison. We have learned a lot and I hope this project will be held in other prisons.”
Kajang Prison prison officer and deputy superintendent Ranjit Singh Gurdev Singh says the Inno-Youth programme will enable inmates to become self-sufficient once they are released.
While it's too early to know if the course has made a difference to the inmates, those involved feel it has been worthwhile.
Inno-Youth was founded in April 2007 by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry under the Community Innovation Fund.
“Hopefully, participants can earn an income and develop a sense of responsibility. Other inmates will look up to them,” says Ranjit.
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