Kajang prison?!
Tuesday, October 25th, 2005Just came back from a visit to Kajang Prison with my colleagues (TLS, VM, SP, SM)…but we were not there to visit someone we know-it was to support my boss’ LIONS charity project to visit the juvenile prisoners.
Did you know that there are more than 53 institutions (which includes PRsion, Henry Gurney School, detention centers, immigration detention, rehabilitation center, Pusat Serenti) all over Malaysia? And in Kajang prison alone, more than 200 out of 3000-odd prisoners are below the age of 18?! Out of that 200 over juvenile, approx. 2-third are there awaiting court hearing (i.e. on remand only)
Our visit was a short one-distributed drinks, food, stationery for their usage and we were briefed by the prison warden/police (dunno how to call them except SIR) on the current situation of juvenile delinquents serving sentences. Most of them come from dysfunctional families or weak family background, but u also have those from well-to-do family but somehow made a BIG MISTAKE in their life.
Many groups are trying to do something to help this young generation as they r the "leaders of the future!". For example, Shelter Home prepared a computer room for the juveniles, and there are regular visits from religious bodies (Islam, Christian & Buddhist) to guide these delinquents. Mr James of Shelter Homes even suggested having volunteers to teach the kids music to enhance their skills.
We only managed to visit the boys sector- there are also the female prison but it was already late when we finally finished our visit. Anyone out there interested to know what we (the public) can do to help these kids?! Sometimes they are there because of bad influence & purely innocence or ignorant when they were caught. Just send me a message & maybe we can organise something to look into their plight!
Have a great week ahead!
