The Asmaa James Foundation, AJF in partnership with Pee Cee and Sons, has been putting smiles on the faces of subscribers at the Female Correctional Facility in New England, Freetown for four consecutive years.
The recurring gesture of AJF and its partner gifting female detainees with assorted food products has become an annual Christmas goodwill event.
This year, on Wednesday 15 December, subscribers to the facility got their yearly Christmas teats with dazzling, beaming grins
“It makes us happy to see them happy,” says Rajesh Hemnani, the General Manager of Pee Cee and Sons.
“We want to ensure that they have a Merry Christmas.” That is why we come every year to donate to them these food items” such as provisions rice, oil, onions, and seasons of the Paddi brand, he added.
Rajesh explained that he admires the attitude of inmates whenever he visits the facility.
“I see your smiles and feel the emotions in your songs; I sense happiness. I want to thank the officers taking care of you” and also pray that these subscribers will be reformed and productive citizens.
The Founder of AJF explained that she is just the facilitator of the donation, but the providers of the items are Pee Cee and Sons principal owners of Jolaks Manufacturing Company, Milla Group, and the Paddi brand.
Asmaa James explained that for the last four years, the foundation and her partner only catered for the female inmates in Freetown, but this year they are taking it a nudge ahead. This year we are planning to go to Bo, Makeni, and Kenema by Christmas. We would have covered all those areas. We have about 20 female inmates in those correctional facilities.
She appealed to inmates to be well behaved as they would give them an opportunity to be selected during the annual Amnesty pardon and prayed that most of them would receive the presidential pardon.
The facility’s Ag. Director of Support, Susan Baby Koker, explained that even though things are difficult, AJF did not shy away from her annual commitment to female inmates.
The Female Correctional Facility in Freetown is home to up to 300 females in detention custody and is the primary rehabilitation service provider for the country.
Rosemarie Paye, [real name withheld] a subscriber at the Facility, commented, “I am so happy for receiving these items. This will make a big difference in my Christmas celebration. I would like to commend AJF and Pee Cee for what they are doing. It is wonderful.”
Celia Fabor [real name withheld], who has been serving in the facility for a year, said, “I am very happy receiving these items. This will make a big difference in my Christmas celebration. I thank you all. I pray for you all to be well”.
Several others who spoke on condition of anonymity thanked AJF and Pee Cee for the gesture of sharing food and goodwill during the festive period.
The initiative, which is being executed by AJF and Pee Cee focused on reaching women inmates at the Female Correctional Facility, is part of the AJF socio development project for women.
