EASTERN PROVINCE

RWAMAGANA — About 250 inmates of Nsinda prison, this Monday completed three-month rehabilitation course organised by Crimon.

The course dubbed "Criminon” - no crime- is meant to redeem inmates to avoid committing more crimes after being released from prison, according to Kevin Jones the president of Criminon in Africa.

Inmates of Nsinda prison are yet to be the happiest if they successfully undergo all lessons in "the way to happiness course,” Jones said in an interview with The New Times after the pass out ceremony. Nsinda has a total of 6,300 inmates.

Drawing an example from South Africa Jones said: "For over nine years, every single prisoner who has undergone the course and later released, has not been re-imprisoned.” He stressed that this is a very useful course that rehabilitates destroyed consciousness.

Salvatore Manariyo who supervised the training said that trainees have been equipped with lessons that help one cope up with social life regardless of time and location.

He also emphasised that the course was a symbol of a true way to happiness. He revealed that10 best performing trainees had been chosen to continue educating fellow inmates till all of them benefit from the course.

Jean Bosco Subukoko, the director general of the prison acknowledged the importance of the course saying it can return hope to inmates instead of despair; by changing their social behaviour.

 Criminon organisation started in New Zealand in 1972 but it has since expanded worldwide through Europe, Africa and Asian countries, according to officials.

In Africa, it works in Zambia, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Rwanda. In Rwanda it was introduced in March 2007 and is now operating in five prisons including Nsinda, Rilima in Bugesera, Kigali Remera and Gitarama.
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