English language and computer courses for inmates of Sharjah prison

Sharjah: A charity association has organised English language and computer literacy courses for inmates at reformatory and penal correctional institutions in Sharjah.

"Inmates have now been offered a new programme where they will be taught courses on the English language and on how to be computer literate, in addition to being provided with the previous courses of learning the Quran," said Lieutenant Colonel Hussain Al Gazzal, board member of Sharjah Charity International.

The courses are offered in order to provide inmates with the basic knowledge that is needed once they complete their jail term and look for employment.

Lt Col Al Gazzal explained that it is the responsibility of the charity organisation to provide care to inmates and their families in a variety of ways, which also includes psychological counselling.

He pointed out that counselling is one of the main focus points when rehabilitating inmates so that the authorities can recommend what certain type of job would be most suitable for them.

"We rehabilitate inmates in all possible ways so that they will not return to the penitentiary establishments. They are rehabilitated either by learning the skill of carpentry or mechanics, depending on their abilities and physical skills.

In the case of inmates who may not have adequate education, then they will be provided with training sessions in languages and computers that are carried out in stages and various levels," said Lt Col Al Gazzal.

Learn from mistakes

"The people who are behind the prison bars are serving their sentence for the crimes they committed, but they are also in need of support from the community in order to learn from their mistakes. They need a caring hand to help them re-integrate into society after their release."

Through taking the English language and computer literacy courses, he said inmates will also gain optimism that they will be able to find employment in order to support their family, since they are equipped with skills.