^{Among the products, personalized gourds, rugs, dream catchers and jewelry boxes. Photo: Jéssica Dona} 

The first edition of Recomeçar Fair moved Prati-Donaduzzi employees on Wednesday (14). They had the opportunity of knowing and buying handcrafted items made by the female prisoners of the 20th Police Station of Toledo, assisted by Recomeçar Program. Among the products, personalized gourds, rugs, dream catchers and jewelry boxes.

The collected amount from the sale of the pieces at the Fair will be reverted to purchase raw materials. “It was the first edition, but we definitely want to do more”, said Community Council social worker, Raíssa de Lima Bellé.

According to the social worker, the partnership between the pharmaceutical industry and the Community Council is very positive. “Prati-Donaduzzi's support is very important to the progress of our activities. The proof is this fair. The company opened its doors so we could market the products. We are very grateful”, she said.

“Presenting the work done by the female prisoners through a Fair is a way of showing our employees the work that the company develops in the community and the concern it has about people”, explained Maria Rita Pozzebon, Prati´s social responsibility supervisor.

Recomeçar Project

The company received the Fair as part of the actions of Recomeçar Project, carried out through the company's Social Responsibility department since 2010, in interface with Toledo Forum and Community Council.

The objective is to provide training focused on social reintegration and the labor market, aiming to reduce the criminal recidivism of these prisoners. Currently, the unit has approximately 30 women.

The work of the pharmaceutical industry team in the prison unit is performed weekly. Every Wednesday, the industry employees go to the prison and promote Portuguese language workshops, basic communication skills, painting, crochet, manicure and pedicure, among others.

According to Maria Rita, the actions carried out at Recomeçar Project provide the prisoners with the possibility to learn something. “We encourage the pursuit of knowledge and skills acquisition during the time they serve the penalty. The idea is that they learn something so that at the moment of freedom they are better prepared to return to society.”

Acknowledgement

Recomeçar Project has been awarded several times with Sesi ODS Seal in Paraná, which highlights the social function it fulfills in the lives of many women. All actions are performed as a way of teaching the prisoners to perform activities that can bring financial return when they leave the prison.