50 female prisoners graduate under HEART/NSTA programme
Under the programme, the HEART/NSTA Trust provided training and job certification in cosmetology, sewing, data operations at Level 2, customer service delivery at Level 2, and other courses.
Two Correctional Officers also participated in the training.
In an address at the ceremony, delivered by Chief Technical Director at the Ministry of National Security, Shauna Trowers, State Minister, Hon. Juliet Cuthbert- Flynn said the Government is firmly committed to further the development of its “comprehensive and reintegrated plans” for incarcerated persons.
“It seeks to reduce reoffending by engaging our young women and men across the correctional facilities through academic endeavours, skills training, counselling, attention to psychosocial needs, sport, and many other targeted initiatives,” she said.
The State Minister said the new National Correctional Services Policy (NCSP) will play a “crucial role” in the Government’s thrust to rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders and ensure that the “right groundwork” is set for everyone to understand the vision, and that “we are clear in how to achieve it”.
She noted that part of the policy requires that efficient industries be created and managed in the facilities, providing vocational skills training, and first-hand work experience to incarcerated offenders/clients, to aid in the generation of incomes and earning opportunities upon their release.
“I encourage you to continue to use every opportunity to enhance your skills to become more marketable. We continue to engage stakeholders in order to create a sustainable avenue for your reintegration into society as law-abiding and productive citizens,” Mrs. Cuthbert-Flynn said.
“I want to commend you for being resilient, despite being in an environment that can be daunting. You have proven to us, your loved ones, and more importantly, yourselves, that your environment does not determine your values and capabilities, as you all are now soaring on the wings of success,” she added.
The Minister of State lauded the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) for the initiative.
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