(MENAFN - Arab News) Saudi jewelry designer, Yousra Al-Faiz, has dedicated herself to helping female prisoners develop their capacity and skills, to empower them to lead an honorable life after they are released from prison.
Al-Faiz in an exclusive interview with Arab News said, she is saddened by the female prisoner's plight, and feels we, as a society must shoulder the responsibility in helping them back to the right path. The stereotypes against people who have spent time in prison are rampant, and make it even more difficult for convicts to lead a normal life after their prison sentence.
"I thought a lot about what these female prisoners' lives will be after their sentences were over, and it dawned on me that they will be faced with numerous challenges, not least of which is finding an honest source of living. This is what inspired me; I want these women to find an outlet that will enable them to lead a respectful and decent life. My aim is to allow these women to utilize their time in prison, learning news skills, in the hopes that they will use when they leave prison."
She further added that many of the female prisoners exhibited creativity and talent, and with the right resources and training, they could channel their skills in many directions.
Al-Faiz said she will strive hard to establish training courses on jewelry designing for the female prisoners, and will personally visit them regularly to interact with them and provide with them with guidance. She also wished other members of society would come forward to offer similar skills.
"I am planning to visit the higher authorities of Dammam prison, to request permission to start my work in the premises of the prison or in any space they will allocate to me." Al-Faiz has big dreams for these women, hoping that one day perhaps some of them will showcase their creativity in jewelry exhibitions and bazaars. "This way we will put the spirit of life back into them, and give them a new chance of living. They are part of our society, every human being makes mistakes and deserves a second chance," added. Al-Faiz.
