TRAINING AND SUSTAINABILITY IN PRISON EDUCATION: THE MANUFACTURE OF HANDMADE SOAPS AS A SOURCE OF INCOME

Abstract

The work was developed in a collaboration between the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) and the State Penitentiary of Santa Maria (PESM). PESM inmates often face a shortage of personal hygiene materials, and a low-cost soap formula was then developed, using recycled frying oil that could be manufactured in the PESM itself, using the facilities of the ecological soap factory already existing and operating in the penitentiary, meeting the demand for this hygiene item. Quality control of the manufactured products was carried out through physical-chemical tests and analyses on the premises of the Department of Chemistry of UFSM. Another important objective that was achieved was through training for inmates. They were instructed on how to manufacture soaps in the most appropriate way, following the legislation and safety standards. Prison education actions are very important for inmates when they are released, as they favor their professional training and subsequent reintegration into society, in addition to promoting remission of sentence. The result of the work was very positive. In addition to having obtained a soap formula that can be used safely, after the training, an evaluative questionnaire of the action developed was applied and the approval of the inmates was observed, concluding that the activity was productive and qualified them.