19.12.2005

By Charalambos Aristodemou Form 4  

15 members of the Interact club along with their teacher Mrs. Maro Adamidou paid a visit to the Central Prisons on Wednesday 14 December 2005. The students had the chance to see all of the facilities of the prison including the dining area, gym and yard. The fact that there is a tzami and a church within the prison walls is proof of the social tolerance acceptance and tolerance that exists. When thinking of a prison, the first thing that comes to mind is misfits and degenerates that should be excluded from the community. Thankfully the wardens in charge at the prison don’t think like that; they treat the inmates as if they were any other person, the only difference being that they’ve committed a crime that can be pardoned. The prisoners have the chance to train at a craft which they can practise on re-entering society so that they can continue with their lives and be able to support themselves. The prison guards do not carry guns, making it easier for the prisoners to feel more at ease and communicate with them. After a certain period of incarceration the prisoners are also allowed to get out every day, work outside the prison and return back at night, bringing them one step closer to successfully re-entering the society. The prison visit was indeed a mind-opening experience, showing us that everyone gets a second chance in life even if they have committed a crime.

The students also paid tribute to the heroes that had given their lives for the freedom of our country and are buried within the prison walls.