Rehabilitation programme has officially started for inmates at K. Maafushi Prison last week.
Mr Ahmed Shihan, Director General of Department of Penitentiary and Rehabilitation Services (DPRS) said that to commence the programme; educational programmes are being conducted for some inmates. In that regard, two classes are being conducted with the curriculum of grades 6 and 7.
“Currently about 50 inmates are participating in the programme and the number will continue to increase daily. They continue to visit and study every day. The programme has been met with a lot of positivity. Many have been wanting such a programme, ” said Shihan.
He said that though initially classes of grades 6 and 7 are being conducted, classes of higher grades will be conducted in future as there are inmates who have studied to a higher level. DG Shihan also said those active in teaching the classes are teachers of Maafushi School.
“We are in the process of procuring teachers, so in the meantime we have signed a contract temporarily with teachers of Maafushi Prison. There is also a full-time individual to arrange academic-related tasks of rehabilitation programmes, who have helped a lot. In addition we will also use visiting lecturers. We are already receiving a lot of assistance from MITE and we will seek assistance from other faculties as well,” stated DG Shihan.
He said that though currently academic programmes are being carried out for inmates, vocational training will be commenced in the near future. DG Shihan said the delay in carrying out vocational training is caused by lack of sufficient space at the prison. He further said that vocational training will include fields such as industrial training, arts-related work and work such as t-shirt printing and so forth.
“The purpose of the programme is to turn inmates into useful individuals upon their release from prison. The success of the prison should not be judged by the number of incoming inmates but rather the number of repeat offenders. First-time offenders should be taught skills that would be useful when he is released back into the society. We are giving an opportunity to reform before getting out of prison. Inmates have been wanting for such an opportunity,” stated DG Shihan.
