Over time, male inmates participated in education programs in areas such as mechanics, electronics, and computer science, while female inmates focused primarily on dressmaking.
To date, for the 103 inmates enrolled in the technical courses at the Berhampore Central Correctional Home in West Bengal, the Salesians have decided to increase the quality of professional training through a partnership with DB Tech and a collaboration with the Schneider Project.
Over the years, the Salesian Prison Ministry has received several awards for its pioneering work. Among these, the Certificate of Appreciation of the National Authority for Legal Services (NALSA), awarded in 2006 to the Presidency Correctional Home in Kolkata. The award recognised the commitment to protect the rights of marginalised individuals in correctional homes. In 2012, he received the Pascual Chávez Award for his commitment to the rehabilitation of young prisoners and their reintegration into society.
Fr Biju Michael, Regional Councillor for South Asia and President of the Conference of Salesian Provincials of South Asia (SPCSA) also praised the efforts of Prison Ministry. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the programme, the Regional Councillor stressed the importance of expanding its scope beyond province borders.
Among the most recent events organised, it is worth mentioning the football tournament held on 4 and 5 December between the prison staff and the prison students, which saw the staff win 2-0. Prominent personalities participated in the tournament, including the Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, Nabin Kumar Saha, and the Superintendent of the Central Prison House in Berhampore, Dipak Sakri. The event, sponsored by Don Bosco Panchanantala and supported by other donors, showed the power of transformation and teamwork in promoting hope and rehabilitation.
In addition, a documentary entitled "Joy Behind Bars: Don Bosco Prison Ministry" was made to raise awareness of this important work, which continues to inspire young Salesians and lay people in the Province. The video, published on the Salesians of Calcutta YouTube channel, is available at the following link.
