THE Guyana Prison Service (GPS) continued to show its compassion and altruism to those incarcerated through a “Back-to-School Drive”, from which the children of current inmates were equipped with the necessary supplies for the new academic school year.

Due to anticipation for a new school year which means loads of excitement for many children and families, and the anxiety it can cause parents and guardians who are not able to provide basic school supplies for their young ones due to being incarcerated, the GPS held the drive.

The two-day exercise concluded on Monday and was done at all prison locations. The recipients received backpacks, lunch bags, and daycare bags filled with items such as stationery, lunch bowls, water bottles, baby wipes and flasks.

Officer-in-Charge of Prisoners Welfare and Corrections, Marielle Bristol-Grant stated that the Welfare and Corrections Department co-ordinated the activity as part of the Family Reconciliation Programme.
The time could not have been more fitting, and the items were carefully thought out to be most beneficial to the recipients.

Bristol-Grant emphasised that the inmate presenting the package to their children was most important to have them feel a part of the process and to create a positive memory for the children.
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, noted that the initiative is aimed at ensuring that the beneficiaries are being provided with the basic amenities to attend school.

“I think it helps their self-esteem, despite their circumstances. We at the GPS recognise the importance of education. We all know that the greatest asset that could be given to a child is education,” Elliot said.
Further, the Prison Director expressed optimism that the initiative will motivate the students to get excited about returning to school and face-to-face teaching. The initiative was highly appreciated by the inmates’ families.