STATE DEPARTMENT TO ADOPT INNOVATIVE LEARNING PROGRAMMES FOR OFFENDERS

By Nicholas Kigondu

The State Department for Correctional Services is planning to adopt innovative learning programmes as it seeks to ensure that offenders who undertake formal and vocational training acquire certification.

 According to Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco, the plan which is part of ongoing reforms targeting the correctional system, intends to introduce focused certifications that recognize specific competencies among learners who acquire skills and knowledge while in the country’s correctional centres. This she says will increase the chances of reformed offenders acquiring jobs thereby reducing cases of recidivism.

“One of the reasons why inmates are not motivated to undertake vocational and professional training is because of lack of certification which can be used as evidence of skills gained after exiting correctional facilities.” She observed.

Speaking during a meeting with a team from United States International University-Africa, the PS said the department is engaging with stakeholders and partners to support the initiative even as it moves to develop standardized intervention guidelines.

While lauding ongoing efforts by the State Department, USIU-Africa Vice Chancellor Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi said the institution remains ready to plug into the agenda by leveraging on existing opportunities.

The State Department for Correctional Services is leveraging on partnerships to enhance efficiency and capacity across all its correctional facilities aimed at positively impacting the welfare of offenders and ensuring a more effective and rehabilitative criminal justice system.