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The welder, the baker and the pastry maker: Rehabbed prisoners with NVQ certificates
View(s):Pix and text by Rekha Tharangani Fonseka
The much-criticised prisoner rehabilitation mechanism is being transformed into an empowerment programme, enabling prisoners to obtain NVQ3 certificates and find jobs.
The Prisons Department has transformed its vocational training programmes for inmates at the Bogammbara and Dumbara prisons, and young inmates are showing a great interest in following the courses, the prison authorities said.
One of the key features of the courses is that the inmates who complete their training will receive an NVQ3 (National Vocational Qualification-Level 3) certificate, which is widely recognised for employment.
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- Prisons Superintendent Chamika Gajanayaka
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- Prisoners learning welding, carpentry and pastry-making skills
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- From prisoners to pastry makers
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- Assistant Prisons Superintendent
Assistant Prisons Superintendent Sumudu Perera said the courses were conducted by the National Apprentice, the Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), and the Vocational Training Authority.
Inmates now follow pastry and bakery industry courses, as well as welding, carpentry, and electrical work.
“The courses involve more practical work and will be useful for them to gain employment overseas or locally. Some of them can set up their businesses,” he said. For instance, those who follow bakery courses can start a catering service.
An oven provided by a non-governmental organisation is being used to train the inmates following bakery and pastry courses.
The prison authorities take into consideration the duration of the sentence passed on the inmate and the inmate’s age in deciding on the course to be followed while giving the inmate the choice to select the area of specialisation.
Prisons Superintendent Chamika Gajanayaka said the raw materials needed to follow courses in carpentry and welding were bought from the Prison Welfare Fund.
The courses are conducted under the guidance of Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya.
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