For 3 years, foreigners were afraid to admit to their parents that they were in a colony in Kazakhstan

Two 25-year-old foreign citizens who were sentenced to three years and six months in prison for causing bodily harm are serving their sentences in a medium-security prison in the Abai region.
During the conversation, the convicts admitted that they had come to Kazakhstan from another country several years ago to get an education and build a decent future. Their main dream was to return home with a diploma and meet the expectations of their parents. However, fate decreed otherwise — instead of the long-awaited meeting with their loved ones, they ended up in prison. For three years, the convicts did not dare to inform their parents about the incident, fearing condemnation and the fact that the closest people would turn away from them.
The story of the young people did not leave the staff of the institution indifferent. After the psychological diagnosis, the specialists began work on restoring the lost family ties. Psychologists, together with the staff of the educational service, established contact with the relatives of the convicts, explained the situation in detail and organized a video call.
After three years of separation, the long-awaited meeting of parents and sons took place. During the video call, no one could contain their emotions. For the first time, parents found out where their children were, and the convicts had the opportunity to ask for forgiveness and hear the most important words of support. For the young people, this meeting was a turning point, giving them hope and faith that they could change their lives.
- When I got here, I was most afraid that my parents would never be able to forgive me. These thoughts haunted me. But after our conversation, I realized that no matter what, they still love me and are waiting for me at home. Yes, I didn't live up to their expectations, and I have a lot to fix. Now I know what's expected of me, which means I have something to change for. I will do my best to walk this path with dignity, improve myself and meet my family as soon as possible," the convict shared.
- The restoration of family ties is one of the most important areas of psychological and educational work with convicts. The support of relatives has a huge impact on a person's emotional state, helps him realize the consequences of a crime, strengthens motivation to correct and return to a law-abiding life. Each such meeting is backed by the painstaking work of the institution's staff, and it is especially important for us to see how it helps people regain hope and self—confidence," said the institution's psychologist, Kuralai Iksanova.