President Kagame Supports Ex-Delinquents with Cows to Encourage…

President Paul Kagame donated cows to 30 ex-delinquents with good behavior post-rehabilitation, as part of the Girinka program. This initiative aims to curb recidivism, while over 6,400 trainees graduated from rehabilitation centers, acquiring vocational skills. Officials emphasize the importance of job opportunities to maintain societal reintegration and prevent relapse into delinquency.

President Paul Kagame has extended his support to 30 ex-delinquents who demonstrated good conduct post-rehabilitation by donating cows. This initiative aims to enhance the Girinka program, which is designed to deter recidivism among the rehabilitated individuals. At the graduation ceremony held on March 5 at the Iwawa Rehabilitation Centre, Minister of Local Government Patrice Mugenzi announced that the most well-behaved trainees would earn a cow, reinforcing positive behavior.

The program promotes development and is intended to help the trainees pursue occupation opportunities, thereby improving their livelihoods. “One trainee with the best conduct of all those who come from the same district will be supported with a cow,” said Mugenzi. This policy seeks to limit the recurrence of delinquency by ensuring that previous offenders do not return to the rehabilitation center.

Over 6,400 individuals have completed training at the Iwawa, Gitagata, and Nyamagabe rehabilitation centers and are being readied to reintegrate into society. They underwent two years of vocational training in various trades, including agriculture, tailoring, and masonry. Rehabilitation officials have noted that approximately 17 percent of trainees relapse into delinquent behavior, such as drug abuse, upon their return to the community.

Fred Mufulukye, Director General of the National Rehabilitation Service, emphasized the critical need for job opportunities to keep graduates engaged and reduce recidivism. “If they are not working, the likelihood of returning to delinquency will remain high,” Mufulukye stated.

Graduates like Jack Germain Tuyishime, 28, shared their experiences from Iwawa, stating, “We had sessions with psychologists, and I really think their advice will help me once I return to my community.” Tuyishime, equipped with a university degree, expressed his readiness to contribute positively to society through his trade in the clothing industry. Another graduate, wishing to remain anonymous, stated, “The blame is on me seeing my peer group contributing to national development. I am a better person now, and no longer a threat to society.”

The initiative led by President Paul Kagame reflects a significant step towards the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-delinquents into society, promoting positive behaviors through incentives such as the donation of cows. With tailored vocational training programs, these individuals are equipped to lead productive lives and engage constructively in their communities. It is imperative to continue addressing the employment needs of these graduates to minimize the chance of recidivism and foster a secure society.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw