Prisoners in Sharjah are mastering calligraphy as part of a creative approach to rehabilitation.
Thirty inmates at punitive and correctional facilities across the emirate will complete the one-month course by the end of Ramadan.
The sessions have been organised by Sharjah Calligraphy Museum (SCM) in partnership with Sharjah Police and Sharjah Museum Authority (SMA).
The prisoners are being taught the principles of two of the most prominent Arabic writing styles, Al-Roka and Al-Diwani.
Adnan Al Sharifi, a professional calligraphist at SCM, is teaching convicts to write letters, words and sentences using these styles to enable them to eventually make artistic displays.
“The course, while helping inmates learn a unique skill, will also elevate their sense of pride and encourage them to start a productive life once released,” said Manal Ataya, director general of SMA.
The workshop is part of SMA's social responsibility program and comes after a memorandum of understanding was signed with Sharjah Police last year to offers courses and lectures aimed at helping rehabilitate inmates through education.
It also provides prisoners' families with an opportunity to join museum tours and other SMA activities.
