Convicted persons in northern Kazakhstan are manufacturing portable baths and gazebos

In the modern penitentiary system, special attention is paid not only to maintaining security and order, but also to creating real opportunities for the rehabilitation and social reintegration of convicted persons. One of the most successful examples of effective cooperation between the state and private business has become the partnership between “Institution No. 51” and individual entrepreneur Natalia Guryanova, head of enterprise “RIDE”.

Since July 2025, the enterprise has been operating on the territory of the institution, providing convicted persons with opportunities for official employment and the acquisition of in-demand production skills. Despite the fact that woodworking is considered a challenging and traditionally male-dominated industry, Natalia was not afraid to take responsibility and establish a full-scale production process within the correctional facility.

The enterprise began with the production of small wooden souvenirs and decorative boxes. Today, its manufacturing capabilities have expanded significantly: convicted persons now produce furniture, gazebos, and portable bathhouses, which are in demand not only in Petropavlovsk, but throughout the entire region and beyond.

Particular attention is paid to product quality. Durable and carefully selected timber is used in production, combining reliability, longevity, and an attractive appearance. Each product undergoes several stages of processing — from frame preparation to painting and drying.

For example, producing a wooden decorative box takes an average of four days: 1–2 days are required to build the frame, followed by painting and drying. Furniture production takes considerably longer — from two weeks to a month depending on the complexity of the design. Portable bathhouses, however, are assembled within a relatively short period: within one and a half months, the customer receives a fully completed bathhouse equipped with a built-in stove.

Products handmade by convicted persons are regularly showcased at city fairs and charity events, where they consistently attract the interest of local residents. This not only demonstrates the high quality of the products, but also helps society develop a more objective perception of people who are on the path to rehabilitation.

Currently, more than 40 convicted persons are employed at the enterprise. For many of them, work has become an opportunity not only to earn a stable income, but also to regain a sense of purpose and self-worth. The money earned can be used for personal needs, supporting their families, and repaying legal claims and obligations.

“Employment plays a key role in the process of resocialization. Acquiring professional skills, discipline, and responsibility helps a person prepare for life after release and reduces the risk of reoffending”,- representatives of the institution stated.