'The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life' (Proverbs 11:30). Mary Carpenter (1807-1877) was a social activist devoted to helping children who were living in poverty, especially those who had fallen into committing criminal acts. Through her lobbying efforts, Parliament introduced two laws known as the Youthful Offenders Act in 1854 and 1857 which approved the establishment of reformatory and industrial schools. Mary also became known for her work in helping to educate women in India.