RWAMAGANA – Prisons services is embarking on a modernization program that will see prisons’ staff attain numerous skills aimed improving correctional services in Rwanda, the Commissioner General of Prisons (CGP), Mary Gahonzire said.

While officially ending a 3- month warders’ induction course in Duha training centre in Rwamagana district, Gahonzire said that the 246 "young energetic warders” who received the training were expected to use their skills to profit the "demanding” correctional work.

"One of our missions is to help individuals to finish their sentences as changed persons,” Gahonzire said. "We engage them in activities that give them skills, to apply when they get back to their homes.”

"This checks the re-occurrence of crimes.”
The CGP added that a modern prison officer is expected to use his or her unique position in the prison hierarchy to befriend, assist and counsel the inmates.

She said such an officer is expected to also work closely, with the other professional staff for the good of the institution.

The CGP also mentioned that there is a plan to renovate and rebuild some of the old prisons, for the purposes of boosting the modernization program.

"We want fewer manageable prisons that meet international standards,” she said. "We shall merge prisons like Gisenyi and Ruhengeri for the purpose of having fewer, admirable and productive prisons that impact on society.”

The warders who were trained included 28 females. They were trained in guard, drill and safety functions as well as physical fitness and management, officials said.

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