The Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM) has taken significant steps to support education within the prison system by donating 100 books to the Centro Femenil de Reinserción Social Tepepan, located in Tlalpan, on March 12, 2025. This contribution marks the conclusion of various educational workshops conducted by the university, aimed at empowering the female inmate population through knowledge and practice.
The donation follows UAM's institutional project, "Divulgación de las ciencias y las humanidades por parte de la UAM en los centros de reinserción social," which was implemented throughout the year 2024. During this initiative, two workshops were organized: 'Días de radio,' taught by Dr. Sara Makowski from UAM and Fátima Robles from the Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías, and 'Expresiones,' led by Dr. Yissel Arce from the UAM's Coordinación General de Difusión.
During the formal handover of the books, the director of the Centro Femenil, Lic. Victoria Zúñiga Palencia, expressed immense gratitude for the support provided not only through educational activities but also through the generous book donations which are anticipated to enrich the cultural and educational lives of incarcerated women. She stated, "La licenciada Victoria Zúñiga Palencia directora del Centro Femenil agradeció el apoyo y esfuerzo por impartir las actividades y por los donativos entregados a las mujeres en situación de reclusión y, al finalizar dicho evento, las mujeres privadas de la libertad agradecieron las muestras de cariño," showcasing the impact of community engagement and educational outreach.
The 100 books donated are particularly noteworthy, with 50 sourced from the Benito Juárez library and the other half from the Michael Foucault Library. These titles span various genres including novels, essays, art, and drama, which are considered both relevant and interesting for the inmates. This diversity serves to not only entertain but also educate and inspire the women during their time at the facility.
The entire event was graced by notable figures including Dr. Mario A. de Leo Winkler, the Director of Comunicación del Conocimiento of UAM, and Física Miriam Carrillo, who serves as the head of the department of knowledge promotion. Also present was Psicóloga Katya Luna, project manager for the initiatives at the Centro Femenil, which have become instrumental for the women’s reintegration process.
During the workshop sessions, participants were engaged not only academically but also emotionally, allowing them to develop new skills and rediscover their passions. The workshops were aligned with broader goals of social reintegration, which are outlined within Article 18 of the Mexican Constitution, emphasizing the importance of education and human rights for all individuals, even those who are serving time for crimes.
The Subsecretaría del Sistema Penitenciario of the Ciudad de México, through its work with various public and private foundations, is committed to enhancing the frameworks of social reintegration for inmates. The donation of books from UAM serves as yet another affirmation of this commitment. By actively engaging with educational initiatives, the SSC continually strives to impact the imprisoned population positively.
Overall, the synergy between UAM and the Centro Femenil de Reinserción Social Tepepan embodies the societal responsibility to provide viable paths for growth and learning, even within the confines of incarceration. This partnership not only benefits the inmates but also enhances community ties, nurturing hope and potential beyond the prison walls.