Styrofoam trays of green and yellow candles lay covered in plastic wrap, delicately tied together with bright red ribbons. On first sight, it makes for a thoughtful gift, as do the plates of freshly baked tea-time eats spread on the table beside.

As visitors gaze at shelves filled with brightly hued wax candles and packets of crunchy snacks available for purchase, they feel they could be walking down the aisle of a bakery, stocking up for their loved ones at home. But that fleeting thought is brought back to reality by the tall and watchful policewomen guarding the entrance to the bakery unit of Chanchalguda Women’s Prison.

The 250 female prisoners – from backgrounds as varied as the crimes they are incarcerated for – are given daily chores to do by the prison authorities and activities to learn from. Candle making, baking lessons, tailoring and embroidery classes are an effort to teach the female prisoners skills which they may in turn put to use for their own betterment. In addition, these activities instill a sense of achievement in each of the women who look on their creations with satisfaction.

The prisoners of Chanchalguda Women’s Jail lined up with a translated Joyce Meyer booklet in hand to meet a Hand of Hope doctor who listened to their complaints and prescribed the right medicine, dispensed by a Hand of Hope pharmacist. Optometrists tested their vision and further investigations were conducted inside the Medical Mobile Bus, which carries equipment to conduct various tests.

The Medical Missions team emotionally encouraged the prisoners, no matter what their past may bring to the table. Grateful for the privilege to medically treat the women, the Hand of Hope Medical Missions team packed up their boxes and bags after a heartfelt prayer to mobilize God’s love and forgiveness among the female prisoners of Chanchalguda Women’s Prison.

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*Name changed for privacy