Culinary and baking courses for convicts

On August 6 and 7, culinary courses envisaged for convicts were launched in “Armavir” and “Nubarashen” Penitentiary Institutions of the Ministry of Justice, and bakery courses — in “Vanadzor” Penitentiary Institution. In "Armavir" and "Nubarashen" Penitentiary Institutions, 4 cooks teach the convicts culinary skills, according to the specialisations (working with dough, making garnishes, salads and working with meat). About 25 convicts participate in the cooking course. In "Vanadzor" Penitentiary Institution, the baking courses are held by a technologist. An estimated 5 convicts participate in this course. The idea of the training courses was brought into life as a result of close co-operation among DVV International in Armenia, “Crossroads” Educational Advisory Centre Foundation, “Support to Prisoners” Foundation, Ready Steady LLC and the Ministry of Justice. Participants having successfully completed the course will be able to find a job both in the course of serving punishment, as well as after being released from punishment. The courses have both theoretical and practical components. The courses will last for about a month, and upon completion the Evaluation Commission will try food prepared by the convicts and accordingly will issue them with certificates of course completion. It is noteworthy that based on the idea of according and strengthening equal treatment to convicts, both persons sentenced for a certain period of time and to "life imprisonment" are involved in the courses." On August 12, the representatives of the Ministry of Justice visited “Nubarashen” Penitentiary Institution to follow the courses and to talk to the participants of the course. According to the participants, this is a great opportunity to acquire new skills and thus have a useful occupation. Many of them already see themselves in the role of a cook, eager to master the given knowledge. The Ministry of Justice reaffirms its approach that ensuring convicts with useful occupation is one of the important components of their re-socialisation and will continue taking steps for enhancing the opportunities of useful occupation.