A Gift from the Heart: Inmates at a Maximum Security Colony in EKO Surprise Seniors for the International Day of Older Persons

Something has happened in the East Kazakhstan region that has offered a new perspective on the penitentiary system.

Ahead of the International Day of Older Persons, celebrated on October 1st, the staff and inmates of Institution No. 18 (a maximum security colony) of the Penal Enforcement System Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan decided to make a truly necessary and touching gift. This time, the location for the benevolent initiative was the Ust-Kamenogorsk Center for the Provision of Special Social Services (a boarding house for the elderly, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities) in the Solnechny village.

Instead of the traditional treats and concerts, the colony's administration, with the support of local individual entrepreneurs, manufactured and delivered essential items from the Shemonaikha district that are vital for comfortable living: litter bins to help maintain cleanliness on the grounds, new, durable benches for outdoor rest, and, what caused particular delight, canes made with incredible care and attention to detail.

The canes were the highlight of the initiative. The inmates, demonstrating skill and humanity, created items that looked more like individual, custom orders than mass-produced goods.

"The grandmothers and grandfathers especially liked the canes," said Laura Aldazhumanova, an employee of Institution No. 18 of the Penal Enforcement Committee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. "They are thoughtfully made of wood with a comfortable, ergonomic handle. And most importantly—we took care of safety: the base is rubberized to prevent slipping. They turned out very light and convenient."

This campaign is a striking example of how institutions of the Penal Enforcement Committee are not only engaged in rehabilitation but also contribute to the social life of the region. The inmates who took part in creating the gifts were able to feel like they were a part of a useful and kind deed, and the elderly received not just inventory, but items made with heart and respect.