Women’s Prison (Prison Children)

Age Group: new-born – 3 years
Number of Children: 65

A view of the children's orphanage situated inside the women's prison.

The prison orphanage caters for babies up to the age of 3 years born to inmates of the woman's prison. After this time the children are transferred to one of the other orphanages in the Odessa region.

The prison holds around 1200 inmates serving terms of between 1 year and 15 years. The charity founders were extremely fortunate in being permitted access to the prison orphanage and being allowed by the authorities to help these unfortunate children.

Children's beds at the prison orphanage.

It is immediately apparent when visiting the prison that is managed with compassion. Like all the institutions of Odessa money and resources are scarce. The prison authorities would like to do more but do their best in the most difficult of circumstances. Prisons are at the bottom of the state funding chain. Nevertheless, here the children are safe and well cared for by the prison staff. The love and affection given to the children by the prison staff is evident and moving. Mothers are permitted to visit their children twice a day and can play an active role in their upbringing should they so choose.

Women who give birth at the prison are allowed lighter duties for a three year period following birth. It is sad to say that some inmates have little interest in their children other than their use as a 'passport' to obtain lighter duties during their prison term. The children are placed after their 3 rd birthday in the state orphanage system. The unwanted ones may be adopted if they are lucky.

 

Completed Project.

In 2006 when the founders visited they prison it was clear that funding was urgently needed. The roof of the orphanage was in a state of collapse and the top floor of the building was out of use as a result. Some of the inmates had tried to effect repairs but the building clearly needed professional attention.

The founders arranged for a building contractor to undertake the necessary repairs to the orphanage roof.

During a tour of the prison it was noted that the dentist chair and equipment was extremely old and no longer fit for purpose. Funding was provided to the prison to purchase a replacement chair.

 

The poor condition of the orphanage roof can clearly be seen. Without attention the orphanage would have soon had to close with dire consequences for the children and their mothers.

Another view of the dilapidated roof.

Part of the roof after repairs had been completed.

Another view of a section of the completed roof.