Minister Calls for Vocational Training to Help Prisoners Build Construction Businesses

Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has called for greater vocational training opportunities for prisoners, saying they should be equipped with the skills needed to establish their own construction companies after completing their sentences.

The minister made the remarks during a visit to Asseyri Prison, where he attended the inauguration of a new office building constructed by prison officers and inmates.

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The new facility was designed and built by prison staff and prisoners and includes additional office space, a classroom and a meeting room. The building is expected to ease existing space constraints at the prison.

During the ceremony, Minister Ihusaan commended the quality of the construction work, describing it as a demonstration of the capabilities and practical skills of both prison officers and inmates.

He emphasised the importance of expanding vocational training programmes within the prison system to provide inmates with employable skills and opportunities for self-employment following their release.

As part of the visit, Minister Ihusaan and Commissioner of Prisons Hassan Zareer laid the foundation stone for a new prison kitchen, which is expected to improve catering facilities at Asseyri Prison.

The visit also included the presentation of certificates to 36 prisoners who completed a religious awareness programme conducted during the holy month of Ramadan. A further 29 participants, comprising five prison officers and 24 prisoners, received certificates after completing the Kaadhu-100 programme.

In addition, the minister inaugurated the Qiraat Certificate Level 1 course, which has enrolled 35 prisoners.

The visit concluded with the launch of a prison football tournament involving seven inmate teams. The initiative is intended to promote physical wellbeing and strengthen social relationships among prisoners.