‘My Craft in My Hands 5’ turns sentences into skills; prepares inmates for life beyond prison

As part of national efforts to strengthen correctional institutions and support the professional and social reintegration of inmates, the Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, launched the fifth edition of the ‘My Craft in My Hands’ handicrafts exhibition.

The event, which opened on Monday at the Capital Mall complex and will run for a week, offers inmates a platform to showcase their skills and demonstrates a practical model of institutional collaboration, integrating government agencies with a humanitarian focus.

Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Suleiman Al-Suwailem, highlighted the exhibition’s objectives, stating, “The event reflects a high level of professionalism in execution and production quality. It transforms a prisoner’s sentence into a phase of production and learning, providing inmates with practical skills that will support their reintegration into society and promote self-reliance after release.”

Dr. Al-Suwailem emphasized that the achievements seen in the exhibition are the result of sustained efforts by the Ministry of Interior, with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs contributing resources, materials, and professional trainers, reports Al-Rai daily.

“We aim to equip inmates with skills that will help them earn a living after release, and to ensure that the rehabilitative process is fully supported by all relevant state ministries,” he said. Citizens are encouraged to visit the exhibition and witness the craftsmanship of the inmates firsthand.

First Lieutenant Fatima Mahdi, representing the Women’s Prison Administration, described the exhibition as a reflection of the Ministry of Interior’s humanitarian and reformist approach. “The event enables inmates to acquire practical professions and crafts, contributing to their positive integration into society and financial self-sufficiency after the completion of their sentences,” she said.

Mahdi noted that the exhibition featured products from the women’s prison, the men’s prison, and the public prison, all of which were handmade and demonstrated advanced artistic and craft skills. “The primary goal is to channel the energies of inmates into productive craft activities that occupy their free time, support professional rehabilitation, and prepare them to be active, responsible members of society,” she added.

The collaboration with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs proved instrumental in the exhibition’s success. Specialized trainers worked with inmates to enhance their skills, elevating both the quality of the products and the effectiveness of the vocational program.

The event embodies the broader vision of the Ministry of Interior, which seeks to transform incarceration into an opportunity for skill-building, personal development, and social contribution. By providing inmates with vocational training and practical experience, the exhibition contributes to their long-term rehabilitation and underscores the state’s commitment to integrated, humane correctional practices.

Dr. Al-Suwailem also noted that the initiative faced no significant challenges due to close coordination between the relevant authorities. “With this level of collaboration, all obstacles are addressed efficiently. Our focus remains on raising awareness, guiding inmates, and fostering rehabilitation, while also developing community understanding in an integrated and sophisticated manner,” he explained.

The handicrafts on display ranged from traditional crafts to innovative creations, reflecting both creativity and professional skill. Visitors were able to observe firsthand the dedication and talent of the inmates, reinforcing the exhibition’s message of hope, empowerment, and second chances.

The “My Craft in My Hands 5” initiative is part of a wider effort to ensure that correctional sentences are not only punitive but also constructive. By combining vocational training with social and spiritual support, the program seeks to reduce recidivism and promote meaningful reintegration into society.

The exhibition also serves as a platform to showcase the role of inter-ministerial collaboration in achieving rehabilitative objectives, highlighting how humanitarian approaches can be operationalized in state institutions.

Through initiatives like this, inmates gain skills that are marketable, allowing them to support themselves independently and contribute positively to their communities. The program emphasizes not just professional training, but also personal development, self-confidence, and social responsibility.

Visitors to the exhibition are encouraged to engage with the artisans, learn about their work, and support their journey towards reintegration. The event fosters understanding and empathy, demonstrating that correctional institutions can be spaces of growth and opportunity.

With its focus on empowerment and rehabilitation, “My Craft in My Hands 5” sets a model for similar initiatives nationwide, reinforcing the idea that correctional programs can produce tangible, socially beneficial outcomes.

The exhibition will continue until the end of the week, offering the public a chance to witness the transformative impact of vocational training within correctional institutions, and the positive outcomes of collaborative, humanitarian-driven governance.