Ihusan: Prisoners should be trained to start-up and manage their own companies

Home Minister Ali Ihusan, on Wednesday, stated that inmates should be provided with the necessary training and skills to start-up their own construction companies and independently manage projects upon their reintegration into society.

He made the remarks during the inauguration of a new office building at Asseyri Prison, which was constructed collaboratively by prison officers and inmates.

Minister Ihusan officially inaugurated the new office complex during a ceremony held at Asseyri Prison. According to the Maldives Correctional Service, the new office represents a significant upgrade from the previous 400-square-foot space, offering a larger and more conducive working environment for staff. It also features a dedicated classroom and a meeting room.

Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Ihusan stressed that the objective of rehabilitation should extend beyond preparing inmates for subordinate roles.

"We want to see these individuals establishing their own companies. We want to see contracting groups led by their own skills and expertise," the Minister stated.

He further underscored the importance of implementing specialized training programs focused on technical skills management, project management, procurement, and financial literacy to better equip inmates for independent livelihoods.

As part of his visit to the prison, the Minister also laid the foundation stone for a new kitchen building at Asseyri Prison. The project is expected to address existing challenges related to the prison's catering and dining facilities.

Additionally, Minister Ihusaan inaugurated a futsal tournament for inmates, an initiative aimed at promoting physical well-being and fostering stronger social ties within the prison community.

The Qira'at Certificate Level 1 course by the Corrections Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (CIRR) was also launched during the ceremony, highlighting ongoing efforts to expand educational opportunities for inmates.

Certificates were also presented to inmates and prison officers who successfully completed the "Avasvegennaasheve 1447" and "Kaadhu 100" progras. The ceremony was attended by Commissioner of Prisons Hassan Zareer, along with senior officials from the Home Ministry.