KIGALI - The Prisons Week was concluded yesterday; with the Commissioner General of the National Prisons Service, Mary Gahonzire, commending prisoners around the country for the good work they have done over the last two weeks.

During the week, prisoners got involved in various developmental activities that included constructing classrooms for the 9-Year Basic Education (9-YBE) programme, houses for the needy and repairing bridges.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, that saw four classrooms unveiled in Gasabo District, Gahonzire said that prisoners had been able to construct 34 classrooms around the country and several houses for the needy.

"The prisoners have done all these constructions from the foundation level up to conclusion including making bricks of their own and other material like metallic doors and windows,” said Gahonzire adding that inmates demonstrated high levels of discipline and expertise throughout the exercise.

According to Gahonzire, the works did not only come as contribution to the development of the societies they destroyed, but also as one way of getting hands on practical lessons which will help them be productive when they get back to their respective communities.

She also said that the programme has helped the prisoners mingle with other people during the period of their work.
The prisons week programme is, as well, conducted in the spirit of rehabilitating prisoners and to help foster unity and reconciliation in society.

In his speech, the Minister of Internal Security, Musa Fazil Herelimana said that the day marked the beginning of the prisoners’ contribution in the building of the nation.

Harelimana noted that the activities helped in speeding up developmental work, cutting costs on many developmental projects like constructing of classrooms and houses for the needy.

Kigali City Mayor, Aisha Kirabo Kakira thanked the prisoners for working with morale and harmony during the period, pointing out that the activities had changed the image of the prisoners.

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