The Virginia Correctional Centre has empowered fathers behind bars during Child Protection Week.
On 30 May the centre, under the management of Bizzah Makhate, and as part of Child Protection Month, hosted an awareness campaign that focused on the relationship between children and fathers behind bars, and also gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
The session forms part of the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) efforts to build partnerships with stakeholders and communities to end substance abuse, GBVF and all other social ills prevalent in communities, and prepare offenders for successful reintegration back to society.
Nanyane Sehume, a parolee, shared with offenders the challenges of parenting and building family relationships after incarceration. He encouraged offenders to take advantage of the training and skills development offered by the department.
“With that, you will be able to start a small business and be able to provide for your family,” he said.
The centre, inspired by the Bill of Rights which declares that children have the right to education, handed over 29 school uniform skirts and 20 school uniform trousers that were made by offenders.
The DCS’ Crime Prevention posters were also handed over to the Tikwe and Boitekong Primary Schools that form part of the programme.
