More than 1,400 inmates of the Ayacucho penitentiary facility actively participate in productive workshops where they make clothing, furniture, and handicrafts, as part of a social reintegration strategy that seeks to offer them comprehensive training and real entrepreneurship opportunities.
“60% of our prison population is in workshops and nearly 800 inmates’ study in primary, secondary, Technical Productive Center (Cetpro), and university,” reported Manuel Jesús Cornejo Castro, the prison director.
He also highlighted that inmates produce items such as sweaters, tracksuits, wooden furniture, and handcrafted pieces made of Huamanga stone.
One of the most notable advances is the collaboration with the Continental University, which allows 20 inmates to pursue higher education in Law and Administration.
“The inmates are developing real capabilities to undertake entrepreneurship when reintegrated into society,” he emphasized.
The workshops have significantly improved in technique and quality, and currently produce on a large scale for entities such as the Public Ministry, the Judiciary, the National University of San Cristóbal de Huamanga (UNSCH), municipalities of the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers.(Vraem), and local governments.
Orders include tracksuits, aprons, T-shirts, caps, and sneakers, made to order.
The work is carried out with the support of the Ministry of Labor and the Center for Productive Innovation and Technological Transfer (CITE), which provide specialized training to the inmates.
“We have instructors who raise the level of our products,” said Cornejo, highlighting that these initiatives dignify work within the prison.
In addition, the prison maintains an open-door policy for institutions and entrepreneurs interested in contracting tailoring, carpentry, or handicraft services.
Throughout the year, the products are exhibited at fairs for Independence Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas, among others, where the talent and production of the inmates are promoted.
More in Andina:
(END) FTY/MAO/JMP/ MDV
Published: 5/9/2025