The juvenile reform centre in Thanabharyang, Hetauda, has 51 inmates.

Their convictions and charges range from rape and drug trafficking to robbery and murder. Many of these underage offenders were going to school when they were arrested and brought to the facility so that they could be reformed. 

One of the crucial steps to their reformation of juvenile offenders is education.

However, the inmates at the Thanabharyang juvenile reform centre have been deprived of education. The centre does not have any teacher to teach the inmates. 

“The District Education Coordination Unit had appointed a female teacher a few months ago, but she didn’t show up,” said Ram Prakash Subedi, the centre’s chief. “Even if she had arrived, she alone wouldn’t be able to teach all the children.” 

Besides teachers, the centre also lacks other services and facilities.

According to Subedi, the centre does not have sufficient toilets and rooms for the inmates.

All 51 inmates share four rooms among themselves because the centre’s building does not have enough rooms.

“We haven’t been receiving funds to run the centre. The children’s education and their standard of living have been compromised as a result,” said Subedi.

Acting on complaints regarding the poor condition of the juvenile reform centre, the Makwanpur District Court recently convened a meeting of the authorities concerned and stakeholders to provide facilities to the children detained at the centre. 

The meeting formed a committee under child right activist Jhabendra Gyawali to identify the problems faced by the centre and make recommendations to make improvements.

Chief District Officer of Makwanpur Prem Raj Joshi assured to take the necessary steps to upgrade and improve the centre.

“Currently, we are making preparations to set up a library and computer lab at the centre,” he said.