DIGITAL LIBRARY LAUNCHED AT THE KAMAE GIRLS BORSTAL INSTITUTION

By Nicholas Kigondu

A hybrid library has been launched at the Kamae Girls Borstal institution as the State Department for Correctional Services moves to enhance its reformation and rehabilitation efforts targeting young offenders.

Supported by International Children's Aid Network, the learning centre will provide both physical and digital learning resources for the beneficiaries, including those from the neighboring Kamiti Youth Correction and Training Centre.

Speaking during the launch of the facility, Acting Probation and Aftercare Service Secretary Shadrack Kavutai, who was representing the Principal Secretary, said the resource centre will greatly enhance rehabilitation efforts by providing learners with access to wide array of educational resources that will promote conducive environment for learning.

“Education remains one of the most powerful instruments of empowerment and rehabilitation available within correctional landscape,” he observed.

He said the department is increasingly focusing on creating opportunities that facilitate personal growth, character development, and social reintegration, adding that the establishment of the facility aligns perfectly with the restoration and reintegration agenda.

While thanking the International Children's Aid Network for continued support Kavutai said the positive outcomes of the continued collaboration demonstrate the transformative power of education and the importance of strategic collaboration in correctional programming. 

According to Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons in charge of Technical Services Jane Kirii, the launch of the latest resource centre was a demonstration of the belief and commitment of the Kenya Prisons Service to empower young offenders through decent education and personal growth.

While expressing his commitment to continue supporting the cause, International Children's Aid Network co-founder Dr. Marc Hauser said exposure to books opens the mind to curiosity adding that the hybrid library will open a world of alternatives for the beneficiaries.

Education and training director at the State Department Dr. Margaret Mutuma termed the latest development as testament to the commitment of the department to positively transform the lives of children in conflict with the law through education.