(MissionNewswire) The Salesians of Don Bosco Prison Ministry opened their third vocational training center inside the Krishnanagar District Jail in West Bengal, India on Sept. 4, 2012. This is the third vocational center the prison ministry has started since its first pilot program inside the Berhampore Central Prison in 1998.

The first vocational training center program helped more than 2,000 prisoners learn skills vital to returning to the workforce and earning a wage to support themselves. A second vocational training center was opened at the Midnapore Central Prison and has assisted 1,300 prisoners since its inception.

The new vocational training center is operating at Krishnanagar with support from Don Bosco Technical School and offers courses in computer skills, domestic and car electrical skills, tailoring and welding. There is the possibility that other trade courses will be added as the program evolves.

“Building the skills of India’s prison population is a key focus for reducing poverty and the potential for recidivism,” says Fr. Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Providing educational opportunities while in prison helps youth learn the skills necessary to have a productive life once they are released.”

The opening of the center was a collaborative effort made possible by the inmates themselves and the staff of the Don Bosco Prison Ministry Berhampore. According to the director of the Don Bosco Prison Ministry Fr. Scaria Nedumattam, the prisoners worked days and nights to make the project a success.

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Sources:

ANS – Vocational Training Centre for prisoners

Salesian Missions – Don Bosco Tech India