Lessons Learned from the Guidelines for the Establishment of Thai Silk Weaving Training Group in the Chiang Mai Women Correctional Institution

Abstract

The objective of this study is to learn research lessons and gain knowledge about the establishment of Thai silk weaving training group in the Chiang Mai Women Correctional Institution, factors affecting the success, additional recommendations, and benefits for inmates from the establishment of Thai silk weaving training group in the female correctional institution using participatory action research method. The method for selecting a sample group is a Purposive Sampling or specific selection. The samples included the director of the Chiang Mai Women Correctional Institution, Correctional officers, Female inmates from both the Chiang Mai Women Correctional Institution and Lamphun Provincial Prison, and staff of the Queen Sirikit Sericulture Center, Chiang Mai. The methods for collecting information were research papers study, interviews, and group discussions. The tools were the forms for the interview and group discussion. The data analysis method was content analysis.

 The result of the study was gaining knowledge on the establishment of Thai silk weaving training in the Chiang Mai Women Correctional Institution as a prototype for other prisons or institutions that were interested in silk weaving training for inmates could be further utilized. The lessons learned from "The Guidelines for Establishing Thai Silk Weaving Training Group in Prisons and Female Correctional Institutions" were that there should be the arrangement of tools, equipment and materials for silk weaving, preparation of learning materials, curriculum development, provision of teachers/lecturers/local experts to teach silk weaving, preparation of learners, determination of the methods of teaching silk weaving, preparation of learning space, and coordination of network parties. It was found that the success factors of the establishment of the silk weaving training group consisted of developing into a real selling product, clarity of policy and regulations for the operations of the silk weaving training group, having a trainer who can solve the problems of silk weaving, allocation of times to be flexible in learning silk weaving, recruiting the proper prisoners, and developing a suitable working environment. In addition, the additional recommendations for establishing Thai silk weaving training group in prisons and correctional institutions were given as followed: the correctional officers or the factory supervisors who were closely taking care of those prisoners must psychologically have managed people and searched for useful knowledge for prisoners to develop their silk weaving skills. There should be an incentive for silk weaving. They should select the prisoners who were interested in silk weaving. There should have at least 1-2 inmates who could work as the teachers for teaching silk weaving in each step, and the inmates should be continuously developed to become silk weaving teachers. Finally, the benefits to the group/community/local/society were that this gave the inmates pride in themselves that they could do that and be proud of the work they had partially created. Silk weaving created interactions among the inmates in the textile plant. It made the inmates closer to each other. The inmates received dividends for the purchase of necessary items in the prison or correctional institution. The inmates had their own profession after being punished. Thai silk weaving training group had been being interested and admired from outsiders who frequently visited the weaving factory. Visitors came to appreciate their work and purchased silk products woven by the inmates themselves. It was like an encouragement to the inmates.