Life Resumes in Harsh Regime Colony of Tomsk after Survival Struggles
Imprisoned, Yet Productive:That's the story of Correctional Institution No.1 (CI-1) in the Republic of Buryatia, Russia. No longer just a place for punishment, CI-1 fosters life amidst the high fences, barbed wire, and surveillance cameras. Here, inmates find a purpose, a profession, and a chance to start anew.
"We aim for productivity, not just punishment," asserts the director, Stepan Seleznev.
From Magnetic Jewelry to Cable Reels: An Unusual Production Line
In the metalworking shop, inmates fashion school desks' frames. Sergei, a former fraudster turned welder, learns his new trade within these walls.
"I aim to rake in 70-80k outside. I honed my welding skills here," Sergei shares his ambitions.
Step inside the "souvenir" workshop, and you'll find plastic animal figures being cast, orders for the Novosibirsk Zoo in tow. The carpentry section next door curates cable reels alongside school furniture.
"Demand leads to production. The client signed a contract, and our inmates got to work," adds Seleznev.
Auto Repair, Sewing, and Services for Tomsk's Residents
Remarkably, the facility caters to civilians as well. The auto repair shop ensures any Tomsk resident can get their vehicle fixed, while the sewing shop mends clothes for shift workers.
"He Who Works, Eats"
Legally, a convict's earnings cannot dip below the minimum wage (22,440 rubles in 2025). A quarter is withheld for victim compensation and alimony, the rest is theirs.
"Inmates here don't lack for sustenance. Their workplace, sweets, cigarettes, and tea are their favorites," shares the store lady.
The facility boasts a library, library stocked with the latest Criminal and Civil Codes, and a club hosting movie nights and holidays.
"Taste Our Bread, You Won't Find it on the Outside"
The dining hall mirrors a modern cafeteria, offering nine menu options and a bakery serving bread that's a hit with the inmates.
"Our bread deserves a try. Trust me, you can't find anything like it outside," the warden offers.
Probation: A Leap to a New Life
Since 2024, CI-1 has been proactive in implementing a probation program. Inmates, six months prior to release, receive assistance in securing jobs and restoring their documents.
"A man drops out, but it's our job to help him get back up. We've seen former inmates open auto services, become head chefs, and continue their work in the same enterprise as before", the warden explains.*
The management advocates that CI-1 is open for business.
"Outside organizations are welcome to avail of our production services", Seleznev asserts.
Epilogue:
This prison is more than a punishing wall; it's a platform for reformation. Former addicts conquer their conditions, the unemployed find jobs, and the hopeless discover hope.
The prison bread does taste divine. Perhaps it's the hint of a brighter future in every bite.
Enrichment Data:
Vocational Training and Employment Opportunities
- Craft Shops: In some Russian correctional facilities, inmates work in craft shops where they can engage in activities like making needlework items, crafts, and paintings. This vocational training can help inmates develop various skills.
- Construction and Maintenance: Some prisons offer construction and maintenance programs where inmates can work on various projects, such as building fences, repairing roads, or maintaining facilities.
- Agriculture: Some correctional facilities maintain farms, where inmates help cultivate crops or raise livestock. Agricultural work can be a valuable skill for inmates to acquire for future employment.
- Animal Care: In some cases, prisons maintain pets, such as dogs or horses, giving inmates the opportunity to care for animals. This experience can provide inmates with a new skill and enhance their emotional well-being.
Production Services for External Clients
While specific information on CI-1's production services for external clients is not available, Russian prisons generally engage in tasks like manufacturing goods, providing services, and undertaking work contracts for external clients. These activities can generate revenue for the prison and offer work experience for inmates.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite Russian prisons' efforts to provide vocational training and employment opportunities, like CI-1, they still face challenges such as inadequate rehabilitation programs, high recidivism rates, and understaffing. However, when prisons prioritize rehabilitation through education, vocational training, and professional opportunities, it can lead to better outcomes for inmates, enhancing their chances of successful reintegration into society.
- In addition to the metalworking and souvenir shops, the carpentry section in CI-1 also creates cable reels, showcasing a diverse range of work under the umbrella of 'home and garden' and 'education and self-development'.
- The sewing shop in CI-1 not only mends clothes for inmates but also caters to shift workers outside the prison, contributing to the 'workplace wellness' with its quality service.
- Beyond vocational training, CI-1 offers career development opportunities, with the auto repair shop providing services for Tomsk residents and former inmates securing jobs in various fields upon release, as described by the warden.
- Recognizing the potential of inmates' skills, CI-1 proactively implements a probation program that includes vocational training and assistance in securing jobs, particularly in the 'health-and-wellness' sector, with some inmates opening auto services and becoming head chefs after their release.
