Peacemakers PEHEL - Criminal Justice Initiative

PEHEL - Criminal Justice Initiative

In general, prisoners are viewed in fear as criminals or those requiring no mercy. But we forget they are humans, who often end-up in prison because of wrong handling of conflicts that turned violent or their life-circumstances culminating in an offense or a moment of losing self-control and committing violence, or even wrongly framed.

The convicts live with the trauma of committing the crime or suffering the consequences. There are many men and women convict in their early twenties doomed to spend most of their adult years behind bars. Also, each prisoner leaves behind a family shame, hopeless, shattered and struggling.

Peacemakers Pehel

In the beginning of 2016, we began to work with women prisoners with a goal to rehabilitate them and prepare them for reintegration with their families and society at large. The project since then has grown leaps and bounds and we

are thankful for all who have made this possible.

Music School for young people

A music school is set-up for young people in Bengaluru Central Prison, where students learn not only to sing, but also to play many instruments including Guitar, German Recorder / Flute, Keyboard, Tabla, Djembe, Violin and Veena. The music school not only gives them musical skills and livelihood options, but helps in promoting mental health, keeping away from addictions and destructive activities. The young people enjoy playing music and performing for other inmates, spreading the joy and hope.

Livelihood for Women Prisoners

Many women inmates leave behind families with children and elderly with no one to support them. Living behind bars with no options to help themselves or the families outside leaves them hopeless and even suicidal. Providing them livelihood options not only helps them and their families financially, it improves their mental health, keeps their children in school and gives health care for their parents.

The products made by the prisoners include:

Scented Candles

Journals with recycled paper & embroidered front cover.

Embroidery on Dupatta, Cushion Covers, Sarees & Journal Covers

Hand Painted Terracotta Diyas