Van Schools Prepared for New Term with Convict Labor

In Van, offenders benefiting from supervised probation measures are preparing educational institutions for the new academic year through painting, whitewashing, maintenance, repair, and cleaning activities carried out in schools during the summer holidays.

The Van Chief Public Prosecutor's Office Probation Directorate continues its activities aimed at enabling offenders to acquire professions, reintegrate into society, and serve their sentences by working for the public good.

Within the scope of the activity carried out in cooperation with the Probation Directorate and the Provincial Directorate of National Education, 10 offenders are involved in the maintenance and repair of schools.

Offenders who carried out painting, whitewashing, repair, and cleaning activities in 20 schools in the city during semester and summer holidays over the past two years are also preparing schools for the new academic term this year.

Ümit Yıldız, a staff member of the Van Probation Directorate, told an AA correspondent that they carry out maintenance, repair, and painting activities in schools during summer holidays, stating that their aim is not solely physical improvement.

Yıldız stated that they aim to strengthen offenders' ties with society and reintegrate them into society within the scope of public service, adding:

"Our offenders have put in great effort. They are painting schools and cleaning their surroundings so that new generations can receive education in better conditions. Over the past two years, we have completed painting, renovation, and environmental cleaning activities in approximately 20 schools. This year, we aim to continue our activities in schools in line with needs. We have been carrying out activities in one school for about 13 days. We have completed the painting and repair of 13 classrooms. We are conducting activities with 10 offenders in two shifts."

Mehmet Emin Erçiftçi, the Deputy Principal of Vankulu Secondary School, where the repair activities are being carried out, said: "They are making significant contributions to the renovation of our school. They are carrying out maintenance, repair, plastering, and painting activities with great dedication. I thank everyone who contributed."