The Institute for Correctional Studies (ICOST) of the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) held a certificate awarding ceremony today at Maafushi Prison for inmates who successfully completed various courses.
The ceremony was honoured by the Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology, Honorable Ali Ihusaan. The Event was also attended by Commissioner of Prisons Hassan Zareer, Deputy Commissioner of Prisons Ahmed Sobah, Controller General of Maldives Immigration Commissioner of Police (Retired) Ahmed Faseeh, Commissioner General of Maldives Customs Service Fathimath Dhiyana, Deputy Commissioner General Mahmood Riyaz, as well as executive and senior-level officers and civil staff of Maldives Correctional Service and invited guests.
During the ceremony, certificates were awarded to inmates who completed several programmes aimed at rehabilitation, and equipping them with productive skills for their reintegration into society. These programs included “Avasveghannasheve 1447,” a religious programme conducted in collaboration with Jamiyyath Salaf specifically for the month of Ramadan, and the “Kaadhu 100” programme, which was conducted in partnership with Soneva Namoona to teach inmates sustainable methods of producing fertilisers using food waste at prisons.
Certificates were also awarded to facilitators of the programmes as well as the officers and staff who completed Kasab Weaving programme as part of MCS’s efforts to teach skills to inmates.
Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology, Honorable Ali Ihusaan officially inaugurated the ‘Certificate 1 in Qira’at’ programme, newly introduced by the Institute for Correctional Studies (ICOST). A total of 67 inmates have enrolled across two batches of this Course. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time ICOST is conducting a Qira’at course independently, without the assistance of external institutions. Furthermore, the Minister also launched several other upcoming courses planned by ICOST.
In his address at the ceremony, the Minister expressed his profound joy, stating that today is a momentous occasion. He emphasized that while individuals are incarcerated for extended periods, the primary objective of the correctional system should not be to release them in the same state they entered; they stated that every citizen who enters the system should emerge as a productive and valuable member of society, and to ensure that individuals reintegrate into society as respected members who are accepted by their families, capable of earning a dignified livelihood, and possess a firm resolve never to return to such facilities.
Regarding the improvement of prison infrastructure, the Minister highlighted that work on the ‘One Prison Concept’ has now commenced. He noted that within two years, solutions will be achieved for the current challenges related to overcrowding and infrastructure. Furthermore, efforts are ongoing to bring necessary legislative amendments to ensure that each day an inmate spends participating in rehabilitation programmes to be deducted from their prison sentence.
In his remarks, Commissioner of Prisons Hassan Zareer highlighted the extensive efforts being undertaken to enhance prison management and security, commending the officers of the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) for their dedication and hard work. Addressing the inmates who successfully completed the courses, the Commissioner emphasized that being incarcerated does not signify the end of one’s life. He expressed satisfaction in seeing inmates take the initiative to participate in educational programmes with resolve and courage, working towards self-confidence and personal development.
Expressing his gratitude to the management of the Institute for Correctional Studies (ICOST), as well as the officers and instructors, the Commissioner shared his vision of introducing degree-level programmes for both officers and inmates in the future. He concluded his speech by praising the commitment and efforts of the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Honorable Ali Ihusan.
