Ten convicts undergoing life sentence at the Special Prison for Women, Tiruchi, have recently completed a beautician course conducted by the Mahatma Gandhi Community College.
The year-long course was initiated by the community college in January 2011 and was taught by Latha Thiruvengadam, a beautician appointed by the Tamil Nadu Open University. The final exams, which were conducted over four weekends in February, tested candidates for theoretical as well as practical knowledge.
“When the course was first announced by the Open University, it was meant for inmates who were slated for release in the near future and those who had studied at least up to class VIII,” said Jaya Bharathi, Superintendent of Police, Special Prison for Women, Tiruchi.
With these two conditions rendering most of the convicts in the special prison ineligible for the course, it was decided to let 10 lifers who were interested in the course, enrol.
Speaking about her experience in teaching the inmates, Ms.Latha said that she was a little apprehensive to begin with, but over time she was able to break the ice with her students. “When I projected myself as someone who understood the circumstances under which they committed their crimes, they warmed up to me. I also used to consider their physical and mental states when they came into class,” she said.
Treatments
The beautician course covered a variety of treatments like threading, waxing, facials, scalp massages, acupressure head massages to relieve headaches, hair colouring, manicure, pedicure, hair dressing, preparation of herbal hair oils and complete bridal make-up. “During their practical exams, the candidates were allowed to use other inmates as their models, so that even they had a chance to experience such things,” said Ms. Latha. After their release, the students will have to work at some parlour to gain practical experience before starting off on their own, she added. “Once they begin their own parlours, these women can make up to Rs.15,000 in the initial stages.”
The course is one among the various vocational courses being taught by the Mahatma Gandhi Community College.
Across central prisons
Conducted in collaboration with local community colleges and the Indian Centre for Research and Development of Community Education (ICRDCE), the courses and training programmes are available across nine central prisons in the state.
Speaking about the courses offered to prison inmates, Father Xavier Alphonse S.J., Director, ICRDCE said, “In January 2010, we registered around 261 inmates from Central Prisons in Puzhal, Vellore, Cuddalore, Palayamkottai, Salem, Madurai, Coimbatore and Tiruchi. The first batch under this set up is being trained to become DTP operators, beauticians, computer operators, catering assistants, four wheeler mechanics, electricians and plumbers.”
Besides these vocational training courses, the community college also trains inmates who have studied up to class VIII to take the SSLC and Plus Two examinations. The training programmes impart training in life-coping skills and work skills, besides including an internship, preparation of resumes, applying for jobs and grooming for interviews.
