ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER OF GEORGIA 2013
tiling and trimming, and wood engraving. A project entitled “Read books with the blessing by the Patriarch” is
being implemented. A meeting was held with Nana Gubeladze, Associated Professor at the Akaki Tsereteli Kutaisi
State University. A tournament in table tennis and an intellectual game “What Where? When?” were conducted.
In the Institution No. 5, the non-governmental organization “Woman and Business” offered the following courses during 2013: hairdressing, therapeutic massage, cosmetology, doing small business, thick felt/batik/quilt work,
computer office software and hotel business. Based on a memorandum of understanding between the Penitentiary
Department and the Education Ministry, the Public Law Entity “Mermisi” Vocational School conducted a teaching
course in sewing. The course was financed by the Penitentiary Department.
The “Apkhazeti” Humanitarian Charity Center provided vocational courses in icon-painting, wood engraving, clay
work, embroidery, choreography, computer office software and enamel work. The project was financed by the
Penitentiary Department.
NORLAG helped deliver training in civil education with the aim of fostering prisoners’ rehabilitation. The “Woman and Business” Association, together with its partner organizations such as the Professional Psychologists’ Association and the “PEONI” Women’s Club, provided psychological and legal consultations to prisoners. The prison
librarian provided English language lessons for beginners. In addition, the Institution was regularly holding other
different cultural events directed at resocializing and rehabilitating the prisoners.
In 2013, no general educational or vocational programs were implemented in the Institution No. 6. Only the
“Atlantis” program was operational aimed at anti-drug rehabilitation. Within the program, drug-addicted sentenced
prisoners underwent a rehabilitation course.
In the Institution No. 7, no single prisoner has expressed a wish to receive any kind of training. Because of the
categories of prisoners, no rehabilitation programs are offered.
In the Institution No. 8, a methadone programme is running for drug-addicted prisoners. In addition, a sculpting
course (prisoners make the work pieces using soft parts of bread) is offered.
In the Institution No. 11, the following psycho-social rehabilitation programmes were running during the year of
2013: the “Equip” psycho-social rehabilitation programme, effective communication training, anger management,
art therapy, psychology group “MythDrama”, training in healthy way of life and training course in soccer and rugby.
According to official records, 76 adolescents were attending high schools within the Institution in 2013. Here are
statistics of sentenced prisoners who took vocational training courses: enamel work – 13 prisoners; information
technologies – 12 prisoners; Internet technologies – 13 prisoners; wood engraving – 100 prisoners; computer office
software – 30 prisoners; decorative wood work and design – 31 prisoners.
In the Institution No. 12, with the Penitentiary Department’s sponsorship, NORLAG is implementing a project
entitled “Getting ready for release”. Also, the prisoners have had the chance to watch the movie “A machine that
causes everything to disappear” directed by Tinatin Gurchiani. After the movie was shown, the prisoners discussed
the movie along with the movie director and the producer.
In the Institution No. 14, prisoners were provided with training in a computer awareness course entitled “Access”. The Penitentiary Department financed and organized training in stone cutting implemented by the Abkhazia
Center. A soccer tournament with prisoners participating was held.
In the Institution No. 15, prisoners can enroll in courses such as graphical printing, computer awareness course
“Access” and a wood engraving course. The “Spectrum” College offers a practical course in plasterboard installation.
In the Institution No. 17, prisoners can attend Civic Education Training, a computer awareness course “Access”,
training in enamel work and wood engraving skills.
It goes without saying that we welcome the offering and implementation of above-described programmes and
events at some penitentiary institutions; however, it is crucial that such programmes and events are provided on a
continuous basis and in all of the penitentiary institutions. It is not justified that the Institution No. 7 does not offer
any programmes for the simple reason that prisoners have not asked for one; for prisoners to wish to be enrolled in
NPM Report
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