New enterprises are opening in the country's correctional institutions, ranging from pasta production to brick factories. Before starting work, inmates are trained in the necessary crafts. According to the GSIN, participation in production is voluntary, but the number of volunteers is constantly growing.
Diversity of industries and scale of work
A total of more than 30 such production facilities have already been opened across Kyrgyzstan. Government officials emphasize that developing labor activities helps combat the long-standing influence of "prison subculture" within correctional institutions.
Garment production has become one of the key sectors. At Institution No. 16, inmates manufacture products for the Wildberries marketplace and for export. Meder Bogishev, Head of the GSIN Production Department, noted that some workers already had experience before their incarceration, while others mastered sewing directly within the colony.
Production activity indicators
At Female Institution No. 2, the sewing workshop fulfills both government and private orders. Munara Abdikerimova, Deputy Head of the institution for logistics and production, reported that they sew specialized clothing, including workwear and padded jackets, as well as sportswear and casual clothing.
Context
The State Penitentiary Service (GSIN) manages correctional institutions in Kyrgyzstan. As part of a press tour, three institutions, including a female colony, were visited to demonstrate the process of inmates acquiring vocational skills.
