Workshop on dealing with trauma and social ostracism of children
Friday, 18 October 2013 00:00
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Prisoners’ children are stigmatised and faced with a bleak future when their parents are incarcerated in prison. These children, through no fault of their own, are condemned unjustly and fare no better than their incarcerated parent and may even fall into a life of crime. The ‘Friends of Prisoners’ Children’ (FOPC) see a dire necessity to address the needs of these children and support them in becoming responsible citizens of society and thereby work towards a crime-free-society in the future.
The ‘Friends of Prisoners’ Children’, is a voluntary organisation that provides annual scholarships to over 275 selected prisoners’ children to ensure sustainability of their education.
The brainchild of Rev. Sister Immaculate de Alwis, the Association seeks to support and befriend these children by setting up psychosocial development programs, donating school books, giving them monetary awards to continue their education in the school they attend in their home town/village and setting up a prison function that allows these children to see and spend time with their parents.
In order to delve into the psychological and emotional impact on the child whose parent is serving a jail term, the ‘Friends of Prisoners’ Children’ have organised a Workshop which will be held at St. Bridget’s Convent (Primary School Hall, Maitland Crescent) Colombo 07, on 26 October 2013, commencing at 9 a.m.
The Workshop will enable participants to understand the predicament of these children and why FOPC continues to assist with their education. One such desperate boy will be on hand to narrate his story and how his future was secured by the efforts of the FOPC.
The Workshop is ideally suited for Educationists, Social Workers, NGOs, Corporates (CSR and HR divisions), Prison Welfare Officers, Rotary and Lion’s Clubs, Media Houses and Religious Groups, and would create an awareness about the work the FOPC are doing with a particular section of children in society.
For more details contact Friends of Prisoners’ Children at No. 133 Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 10 - Tel: 2691871 or visit www.friendsofprisonerschirldren.org.lk.
