Prison culinary course helps inmates find jobs

Twenty inmates in Georgia will learn how to cook from a famous chef and will be able to get culinary jobs thanks to a new project supported by the United States (US).

A second addition of the Prison Culinary Course has launched at the number 16 Low-Risk Penitentiary Facility today. The six-month program, financially supported by the US Embassy in Tbilisi, will see prisoners be taught cooking by famous Chef Manuel.

The inmates will be awarded certificates upon the completion of the course.

Photo source: Press office of the Corrections Ministry

Deputy Corrections Minister Zviad Mikhanashvili said that helping inmates to get employed after leaving prison is among the Ministry’s priorities.

"Getting a profession makes it easier for former employees to find a job, which decreases the risk of re-committing a crime,” Mikhanashvili said.

The first edition of the Prison Culinary Course has already brought tangible benefits. Last month, the US Embassy in Tbilisi posted a story of Ambassador Ian Kelly on Facebook, saying that that during his recent trip to Uplistsikhe, Kelly received a pleasant surprise while eating at the Gamarjoba restaurant when he met Chef Irakli Miruashvili.

Miruashvili shared his story and said that he had left prison six days ago and that thanks to the culinary program, he was able to find a job, which changed his life.