Inmates asked to embrace the mindset program

Jun 07, 2019

The program aims at changing a prisoners mindset for a life after jail.

 
The inmates at Kigo Women's Prison have been asked to embrace Mind Education training courses so as to become responsible citizens upon discharge, Jongsoo Yoon, the Education Director International Youth Fellowship has advised.
 
"You may have erred and ended up in jail but never lose hope, make good use of the rehabilitation programs offered in prison to become good people who are easily acceptable in the communities where you once lived," Jongsoo advised inmates.
 
Jongsoo made the remarks while opening the Mind Education Training courses at a function held at Kauga and Kigo prisons. The six months' program is expected to benefit over 500 inmates.
 
"The program offered is aimed at changing your mindset for life after prison, therefore, acquire full rehabilitation to reduce the recidivism rate," Jongsoo told inmates.
 
Recidivism is the act of a person repeating an undesirable behaviour after they have been discharged from prison. Currently, Uganda has the lowest recidivism rate due to its comprehensive prison rehabilitation services.
 

 Inmates of Kigo Women's prison listen attentively as they are taken through a Mind Education program

 
With a reoffending rate of 23%, Uganda has been ranked the best in Africa and seventh in the world, according to the African Correctional Journal and the International Criminal Journal, respectively. Uganda boasts of having in place one of the best rehabilitation programmes in Africa and ranks fourth globally.
 
Harriet Namboze one of the beneficiaries of this training testifies to have received true change in her hearts that she was able to reconcile with those she wronged.
 
"The training has enabled me to forgive reconcile with the relatives of the person I murdered, something I did not expect to ever happen. I no longer fear to return to the community where I once lived upon discharge," revealed Namboze who is serving a 20-year jail term over a murder.
 

 International Youth Fellowship youth entertain inmates of Kauga prisons during  the launch of the Mind Education program recently

"Some of us came to prison because we could counter attack our desires but my prison sentence has enabled me to exercise self-control and wisdom in knowing our short comings. I have learned to lower my heart and communicate with others," says Namboze.
 
The MindSet Education initiative for prisons begun in many other countries but in Uganda plans to implement the program started in 2016 after the IYF General Secretary met the CGP to discuss the possibility of its implementation in Ugandan prisons.
 
IYF promised to continue with the program so as to help inmates attain full rehabilitation and Prison Wardens to properly understand the inmate's emotions. He says they hope to extend the program to other prisons countrywide. Ends
 
 

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