KUWAIT CITY, Oct 3: Brigadier General Fahd Al-Obaid, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Correctional Institutions and Enforcement of Sentences, announced plans to implement a legal seclusion project for prisoners, known as the “Family House.” The initiative follows the preparation of a designated site within the prison complex, in collaboration with the National Bureau for Human Rights and the Human Construction Society. Al-Obaid made the announcement during the opening of the new academic year for correctional institutions, which includes both central and women’s prisons, as part of the national “Support Them” initiative.

In his remarks, Al-Obaid indicated that a project aimed at blocking communications within the prison complex is still under review by various security and governmental agencies. He emphasized that this initiative will only proceed with the approval of the Ministry of Health, which is tasked with determining the necessary health procedures and protocols.

Al-Obaid highlighted the inclusion of secondary and intermediate classrooms in correctional institutions for both male and female inmates, supported by the Ministries of Education and Endowments, as well as the National Bureau for Human Rights and charitable organizations. The new academic year for Islamic sciences has commenced for the 2024/2025 period, aiming to enhance inmates’ religious and cultural education.

The Assistant Undersecretary stressed the importance of providing a supportive educational environment to help inmates acquire skills and knowledge, which will facilitate their reintegration into society after serving their sentences. This approach aims to improve their chances of success and reduce recidivism.

Maryam Al-Anzi, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Educational Development and Student Activities, reported that 40 female inmates are currently enrolled in education classes this semester. She reassured that all inmates would receive educational certificates from adult education centers without any indication of their status as inmates, reinforcing the right to education for all prisoners.

Al-Anzi further noted that special exam committees are being established in collaboration with the General Administration of Correctional Institutions to manage midterm and end-of-year examinations for inmates. The educational certificates awarded are expected to aid inmates in their transition to life after prison.

Engineer Fatima Al-Salman, Assistant Director General of the Human Construction Society, discussed the strategic partnership between the Ministry of Interior, the National Bureau for Human Rights, and the Human Construction Society. This collaboration focuses on the national “Support Them” initiative, which aims to rehabilitate and establish various facilities within correctional institutions, including classrooms and workshops. Additionally, the partnership seeks to engage civil society organizations in completing 41 identified projects within correctional facilities.

Falah Al-Mutairi, Director of the Adult Education Management Center in the Farwaniya Educational District, confirmed that inmates enrolled in correctional education programs are associated with the district’s Adult Education Center. He noted that last year witnessed high success rates among inmates in their examinations, qualifying many to continue their education following their release.