DIDE offered training to RCS Staffs about Mental health of women inmates at Ngoma Prison

n two-days training at Ngoma Prison from 29^th to 30^th July 2020, the Foundation Dignity in Detention (DIDE) which supports and fight for prisoners’ rights and well-being urged that mental health and social wellbeing of women inmates are key factors to help them reintegrate into society.

S/SGT UWAMAHORO Jeanne d’Arc and C/SGT KANANGA Emmanuel, RCS officials who attended training, among others, said that such training was so important to sharpen their mind on their correctional profession.

“Frankly speaking, these training we’ve received are of paramount importance, for will enable us to perform well our daily duties. In fact, we will give much time to women inmates in order to know their problems, and then seek how to resolve them accordingly.” S/SGT UWAMAHORO elucidated   

SSP Jeanne Chantal Uwantege, the Director of Ngoma prison has also said that DIDE’s training will enhance the connection between the inmates and correctional officers.

 “The main purpose of this training was about to teach correctional officials the way they can mentally treat women inmates, for most of them have psychosocial trauma.” SSP Jeanne Chantal explained

MUSABEYEZU Sophie a Psychologist from Foundation Dignity in Detention (DIDE) stated that these training will play a big role in tackling women inmates’ problems, for correctional officials will let them feel free to express their issues.

 “We consider women inmates than men, for they are soft hearted than men. The intention is to equip a woman with the needed knowledge so as to reintegrate into the community without being a burden to the government.” Musabeyezu revealed  

She also added that DIDE has no capacity of working in all prisons, but as the capacity will be available, they will reach every prison in Rwanda.

The theme of this training was “Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Women inmates of prison”, and certificates were given to all RCS Staffs who attended the training.