The Seychelles has requested Rwanda’s help in training its own correctional officers to strengthen its correctional services.

On Wednesday, September 25, during a visit to the Rwamagana Training School in Gishari, Seychelles’ Prisons Commissioner General, Janet Georges, said Rwanda’s support would be useful in the professionalization of her institution.

"In the Seychelles, we need Rwanda’s assistance to train our officers and instill the discipline we have seen here,” Georges said.

"We lack a training school for correctional officers, which has caused difficulties in maintaining inmate discipline and in providing effective rehabilitation and reintegration into society. We hope to move forward together and receive the support to equip our officers, who will help our inmates.”

Rwanda’s Correctional Service (RCS) has developed a range of rehabilitation programs for inmates over the years, covering interpersonal skills, conflict management, mental and physical wellness, substance abuse recovery education, human rights awareness, and family dynamics.

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The Seychellois official on Tuesday met with RCS Commissioner General Evariste Murenzi.

Seychelles has struggled without a formal correctional training facility, which has affected its ability to maintain discipline and hindered inmate rehabilitation. Georges pointed out that this gap has created challenges in rehabilitating inmates before their reintegration into society.

"Our training includes modules on human rights, ethical conduct, conflict management, and inmate rehabilitation, along with physical fitness and security operations,” said Superintendent of Prison Tony Mutuyimana, Chief Instructor at the Rwanda Correctional Service Training School.

He added that the Rwamagana training school offers various courses, including basic training for new recruits, junior officer courses, capacity-building programs, and specialized training for peacekeeping missions.

The instructors at Rwamagana equip officers with the skills needed for correctional work.

By adopting Rwanda’s correctional model, Seychelles aims to enhance officer discipline and improve inmate rehabilitation. The partnership between the two countries could lead to the creation of a formal correctional training program in Seychelles, addressing the nation’s challenges in prison management and ensuring sustainable improvements.

Commissioner General Georges commended Rwanda’s achievements and emphasized Seychelles’ eagerness to collaborate with Rwanda Correctional Services in building the capacity of Seychellois officers.