An Open Day was held in the women's penal colony in the Abai region in the Abai region. The convicted women and their loved ones were waiting for this event with special excitement. For many, the meeting with their relatives was long—awaited, and for some it was the first in many years.

As part of the event, more than 80 relatives came to meet with 50 convicted women. These are people who have been supporting their loved ones in places of detention for a long time. Many have traveled hundreds of kilometers to see their loved one. Despite the distances, age, and life circumstances, they found the opportunity to come and share this important day together.

At the time of the long-awaited meeting, no one hid their emotions. Hugs, tears of joy, and sincere conversations became the highlights of the day. Everyone tried to tell about the events that happened during the separation, share their feelings and just feel the warmth of a loved one.

The meeting of the 52-year-old convict with two sisters, whom she had not seen for more than ten years, was especially touching.

— I can't put into words how I feel right now. The last time we saw each other was more than ten years ago. After my marriage, I moved to another city, and each of us had our own family and concerns. After the death of our parents, our communication practically stopped. When my life began to crumble, I was ashamed to admit to my sisters that I was left alone with two children and could not cope with difficulties. I withdrew into myself and gradually lost touch with the people closest to me.

When I came here, I often thought about our childhood, my parents, and our family holidays. Every day I thought about my sisters, but for a long time I did not dare to take the first step. Finally, I dialed their number and told them the whole truth. Today was our first meeting in thirteen years. When I saw them, it seemed to me that all those years of separation had disappeared in an instant. We cried, hugged and said the most important words to each other. There was no room for insults and reproaches in our conversation. We only talked about love, family, and never losing each other again. This day gave me hope and faith that after my release I will be able to start a new life next to my loved ones," the convict shared.

— Maintaining family ties is one of the most important factors for a person's successful return to a normal life after release. Such meetings help convicts to feel the support of their relatives, strengthen motivation for law-abiding behavior and positive changes. It is especially important for us to see how relationships between loved ones that have been lost for various reasons are being restored. It is the family that often becomes the support that helps a person not to lose hope and make plans for the future," said Ainur Iskakova, head of the department of educational and socio—psychological work among convicts.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/duisabai/press/news/details/1300324?lang=ru