ALIVE

AL!VE, a Freedom Foundation initiative, is a therapeutic art project for women undertrials at Byculla Jail, Mumbai. This project is used to encourage creativity which acts as a therapeutic tool and helps these ladies utilize their time in a productive way. The women are presently using colour pencils to create artwork that's unique to each person as the choice of colours and shading is their own. Their artwork is then used to create finished products such as table mats, bags, coasters, trays, jewelry boxes, bookmarks, notepads, table lamps and much more. ALIVE Volunteers meet twice a month for craft sessions as they convert their vibrant artwork into utility and decorative products. Freedom Foundation, is an NGO that has been working with women undertrials in Byculla Jail over the last 10 years. At any given point, there are atleast 200 inmates from different communities and language groups. A majority of the women languish in jail for long periods until they are able to furnish bail or are acquitted or convicted. Freedom Foundation also conducts a daily computer based educational literacy programme and a fortnightly health clinic. Art based sessions are also occasionally conducted within the prison to allow the women a therapeutic release and to equip them with different skills sets that can be further nurtured once they are released.