Document Actions
Caring for Ex-Prisoners in Namibia
Last modified 2007-05-31 03:55
Prisoners leaving prison face many challenges such as disconnection from life in their communities; estrangement from family members; lack of job skills; and scars from their imprisonment. To help ex-prisoners successfully overcome these challenges, PF Namibia created a halfway house programme to serve as a residential rehabilitation programme for ex-prisoners.
Currently, the PF Namibia halfway house consists of two bungalows housing six prisoners each. The programme aims to:
- Provide accommodation to ex-prisoners, either on unconditional release or parole, for a period of three months to assist transition into the community
- Assist with the reconciliation of ex-prisoners with their families and/or create a support system through family and church networks
- Provide social and life skills training to ease reintegration
- Assistance with job training and searching
The PF Namibia chairperson serves on the selection committee deciding on the prisoners to be released to the halfway house. The selection process targets long term prisoners and those being released at a distance from their families as both have very few connections to the community. Upon entering the programme, the ex-prisoners undergo an initial two-week observation period where rehabilitation and reconciliation needs are determined. The programme participants then receive job training and placements and a plan for addressing their other needs including reconciliation with their families.
June 2007