Happy Hours for inmates' kids in Ajman jail

The Reformatory and punitive Establishments (RPE) in Ajman, on Thursday, launched 'Happy Hours', an initiative that aimed at making the children of the inmates happy and give them opportunities to play and laugh as normal children.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Brig Mubarak Khalfan Al Rezi, Director of RPE, said the initiative is a kind of a daily joy hour for the children, away from the jail atmosphere to enjoy a variety of recreational, scientific and innovative games.

He explained that this initiative is part of the police efforts to achieve happy society and ensure justice.

He added that the children of the inmates are being raised in a decent atmosphere with a loving environment. "The children are provided with all the care they would have received at home. Their mothers are allowed to spend time with them daily, so they can have the attachment and maternal love during infancy and childhood."

Two establishments in Ajman have established nurseries which are equipped with cribs, breastfeeding chairs, colourful curtains and blankets, play areas and all other babies' items as well as toys. Baby food and milk formula are also being supplied to the children in the nurseries where well-trained caregivers are assigned to provide all kind of care to the children and their mothers, he added.

"The RPE also ensures that the rights of these children are protected, by providing them with necessary documents for pursuing education and to enjoy the benefits of health and social services which aim at making the inmates feel that the lives of their children are normal."

Brig Al Rezi added that the primary objective of the prison nursery is to create a stronger attachment between the mother and the child and this will make mother commit less crimes. Mothers in cells have strong ties with their families and this provides a greater chance for positive rehabilitation. The nursery programme facilitates this relationship by creating a supportive environment for the development of a powerful bond between the mother and her children.

He said that the inmate mothers have never been separated from their children, some of them have infants and some have toddlers and children from 3 years to seven years.

The Ajman Police are planning expansion of the nurseries to accommodate more than 160 children during this year. New facility will be established for the child care centre to ensure that the children of the inmates are growing in decent environment and warm atmosphere.

Source: Khaleej Times