Prisoners prepare for their future

BANK Windhoek yesterday handed over certificates to 35 prisoners at the Windhoek Central Prison who participated in entrepreneurial and business skills training programmes.

The aim of the programme is to equip prison inmates with knowledge that can help them start their own small businesses and become productive citizens once they are released. Handing over the certificates, Deputy Minister of Safety and Security Gabes Shihepo said the purpose of imprisonment was not to humiliate those who violate the laws of the country or take revenge, but to protect society by preventing them from committing new crimes during the period of imprisonment.”It is worthy to also note that the second major task is to prepare offenders for their return to society as useful, law-abiding citizens by ensuring their social rehabilitation.It is therefore encouraging that a public and private partnership like [the one with] Bank Windhoek can work successfully,” said Shihepo.”I would like to express appreciation on behalf of my fellow inmates who have successfully completed this programme,” said Glen, one of the prisoners.”We know that it is not easy for people to put their trust in offenders like us, nevertheless we are thankful.We are given a chance to change our lives from this day forth and I would like to say that once we are released we will strive to make a difference and start new lives and I also encourage my fellow inmates to do the same.”Moses, who has served four years of a ten-year sentence, shared his sentiments.”I feel proud of myself and my fellow inmates as they were the ones who encouraged me to participate in this programme, telling me it would help me once I am out of prison.Now I believe I have a chance to change my life and this is the first step for me once I am released,” he said.Handing over the certificates, Deputy Minister of Safety and Security Gabes Shihepo said the purpose of imprisonment was not to humiliate those who violate the laws of the country or take revenge, but to protect society by preventing them from committing new crimes during the period of imprisonment.”It is worthy to also note that the second major task is to prepare offenders for their return to society as useful, law-abiding citizens by ensuring their social rehabilitation.It is therefore encouraging that a public and private partnership like [the one with] Bank Windhoek can work successfully,” said Shihepo.”I would like to express appreciation on behalf of my fellow inmates who have successfully completed this programme,” said Glen, one of the prisoners.”We know that it is not easy for people to put their trust in offenders like us, nevertheless we are thankful.We are given a chance to change our lives from this day forth and I would like to say that once we are released we will strive to make a difference and start new lives and I also encourage my fellow inmates to do the same.”Moses, who has served four years of a ten-year sentence, shared his sentiments.”I feel proud of myself and my fellow inmates as they were the ones who encouraged me to participate in this programme, telling me it would help me once I am out of prison.Now I believe I have a chance to change my life and this is the first step for me once I am released,” he said.