RWAMAGANA - A total of 485 male and 147 female professional prison wardens, yesterday, completed a six-month training

The training was aimed at enabling the wardens acquire skills on how to help prisoners serve their sentences while also preparing them to get back into society as reformed and more productive people.

The training that took place in Duha, Rwamagana District, is the first since the beginning of the commission in 2009.
 The Minister of Internal Security, Sheikh Fazil Harerimana, was the chief guest at the ceremony held at the Kigali Independent University (ULK) stadium, Gisozi.

He underscored that the role of the prison wardens is very vital, adding that they are the ones who were going to reform prisons in the country.

"It is difficult for people to reform on their own, but with the help of the professional wardens, , we shall see prisons becoming more effective. They have received good training and I am positive they will do a great job,” stated the minister.

He compared the prisoners to Saul in the Bible who was a bad man but later changed to Paul, a good man. He said the wardens can change the Sauls in prison into good citizens who respect the law.

The Director Commissioner General (DCG), Mary Gahonzire expressed her appreciation towards the wardens’ completion of the training.

She urged them to love their country and serve diligently like they had been taught. The DCG advised the wardens to go out there and practice what they have learnt in their training.

The Mayor of Kigali, Fidele Ndayisaba and Inspector General of Police, Gasana Emmanuel, were some of the notables present.

During the ceremony, the wardens displayed some of their skills among which included karate demonstrations, marching and a skit. One of the wardens named Ngabo cheered up the crowd with a rap song titled ‘Rwanda Songa Mbele’.

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