WINDHOEK: The Namibian Correctional Services commenced a groundbreaking Peer Interaction Training Workshop in Walvis Bay on Monday, with the aim of bolstering the capabilities of its correctional officers.

According to the Namibia Press Agency (Nampa), the workshop is intended to equip correctional officers with advanced skills and methodologies necessary for enhancing interaction and cooperation. Hamunyela emphasized the vital role of these officers in ensuring the safe and rehabilitative environment of the nation’s correctional facilities.

During the workshop, Erongo Governor Neville Andre Itope highlighted the success of rehabilitation programs in diminishing repeat offenses and aiding inmate reintegration into society. He stressed the importance of regional collaboration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to implement these rehabilitation efforts uniformly.

The event, which saw participants from Namibia and neighboring countries including Angola, Eswatini, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, is the first of its kind in Africa to foster a collaborative platform for correctional officers. Discussions focused on common challenges, exchange of best practices, and development of strategies to address new issues arising in correctional services. This workshop is a step toward achieving SADC’s goal of unifying policies and procedures for safe, secure, and humane custody, alongside effective rehabilitation and offender reintegration.