Juba, South Sudan (14 February 2020) - The National Prisons Service of South Sudan (NPSSS) memorable graduation of the first batch of 71 released inmates trained in entrepreneurial skills took place at the Juba Regency Hotel, on Friday, 14 February 2020. New start-up kits for hairdressing and beauty therapy, auto mechanic, electrical installation, and others were handed over to the released inmates to start their own businesses, under the Life After Prison programme. These were handed over by the Director of Inmates Affairs in the National Prisons Service, Major-General Joseph Benjamin together with UNDP Law Enforcement Advisor Ernest Yeboah, the Director Inmates Vocational Training Schools, INGOs and senior instructors from NPSSS.  

The vocational training programme aims to prevent recidivism by imparting technical skills to inmates that will enable them to pursue productive activities, earn their livelihoods, and facilitate their reintegration into society when released. The programme is part of UNDP’s Access to Justice and Rule of Law programme which supports national and local partners to strengthen the rule of law through improvements in the regulatory environment, delivery of quality justice and policing, and building resilient communities that are served by the inclusive, effective and accountable rule of law institutions. With a focus at the national level and in the states, the programme prioritizes targeted interventions to address the justice and security gaps of individuals, communities, and states that are most affected by conflict to ensure that no one is left behind in South Sudan’s development.

“With support from the NPSSS and the partners involved in your integration process here, you can now go forth and become electricians, auto mechanics, beauticians, and more. But this is not only about you – when each of you succeeds, you are doing so much more. You are providing for families. You are providing services for your fellow citizens which will improve their lives. You are contributing to your nation through your skills and hard work,” remarked Ernest Yeboah, UNDP Law Enforcement Advisor,  at the occasion.