In 1996, after reading a newspaper article about imprisoned women and their babies, the students of OSC undertook to help these children. Initially the activities consisted of art, games and singing in an attempt to brighten their days. Gradually our group realized that the children required more than games, such basic necessities like a balanced diet and proper clothing. The babies seldom received cereal, special baby food or even fresh fruits, things most of us take for granted.
These children were deprived of a normal childhood existence with family and friends, instead spending their days with prisoners and institutional staff. The OSC has contributed immensely to changing this situation by their positive interaction and assistance, thereby, bringing a much needed ray of sunshine to their day.
The aim of the prison babies group is to further improve the quality of life of these less fortunate children who serve a sentence for crimes they never committed, condemned to this life as the unfortunate victims of their mothers crimes.
The hard work and commitment of the student volunteers of the OSC have not gone unrecognized. In 1999, this project was selected for the first prize among 27 international schools due to the unique nature of this activity. Furthermore, in 2000 the program was awarded a NESA grant. The OSC sponsors a regular local teacher in the preschool.
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