Construction of phase one of a halfway social reintegration centre commonly known as "Halfway home”, according to Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS), will be completed this year, with operations set to begin next year. The centre aims to support inmates nearing the end of their sentences to reintegrate into the community.

Speaking to The New Times, Therese Kubwimana, the Acting Director of Public Relations, and Media, noted that based on current progress, the facility will be completed this year, with official operations starting next year. The centre in Rwamagana District will be developed in three phases and will accommodate 2,500 inmates from across that region. The first phase will begin with 250 female inmates from regional correctional facilities.

ALSO READ: What are half-way homes and why is Rwanda rolling them out?

Explaining why the pilot&039;s first phase will focus on women, Kubwimana said, "Our initial goal was to bring inmates closer to the community, and we chose to focus on women because they are often more vulnerable and play a crucial role in building families.

"By equipping them with the necessary skills, we aim to reintegrate them into society fully.”

The plan is to eventually establish similar facilities in other provinces and the City of Kigali

She added that the halfway social reintegration centre would provide inmates with the necessary tools to become productive members of society by sharpening the technical skills they acquired in correctional facilities, helping them compete in the job market upon release.

ALSO READ: Rwanda to roll-out halfway homes for prisoners on verge of completing sentences

According to her, the centre, which will be the first of its kind on the continent, is part of a broader effort to enhance the successful reintegration of inmates into society.

Construction of the pilot phase began in May last year. The first phase will accommodate 250 women, the second phase 250 women and 1,000 men, and the final phase will house 1,000 men. Inmates will stay at the centre for six to 10 months.

ALSO READ: Halfway homes will lessen recidivism rates, says Minister Gasana

The facility will include various amenities, such as workshop centres, dormitories, a health post, a kitchen, a multipurpose building, and a store.

Inmates will receive training in career development, entrepreneurial skills, mental health counselling, drug use prevention, and conflict resolution and management.

ALSO READ: Works on halfway houses for inmates launched

During inmates&039; stay at the center, they will be entitled to visits from family and friends.