Anti-Crime Day At The Prison

Friday the 28th of November – On arrival in the prison there were a group of detainees is playing music. It’s the prison band, one of the many activities organized by the Lüderitz prison.

The prison is a well maintained building and on this particular day spirits are high, amongst the detainees and guards.

Unfortunately Mr. Scholtz could not make it to hold the opening prayer, therefore it was held by a substitute. After the opening prayer it was time for a welcome word held by the head of the prison. He stressed that the main objective of the prison is not to detain the prisoners but to reform them; “This is a big task, and can only be achieved with the help of everyone surrounding the inmates. Families, wives and children all need to help.”

It was then time for the prison choir, who gave an amazing performance and clearly enjoyed doing it. Everyone listened in awe as they sing some joyful spirituals.

After that a representative of People In Need took over. She explained what People In Need is, she confirmed that the prisons works conform to the 2007 AIDS rules and she gives a speech about HIV/AIDS prevention. They then handed out certificates to the inmates who shad uccessfully finished the AIDS-course held earlier that year in the prison.

The handing over was a bit disappointing as representatives from both Namdeb as Skorpion Zinc could not make it. But the donations were greatly appreciated. Namdeb sponsored new security material, such as walkie-talkies, and Skorpion Zinc supplied the prison band with new instruments (drums, keyboard, speakers etc.).

The day was rounded up by an impressive speech by one of the inmates. He apologized to society, asked why there is so much crime and how we can stop crime amongst the youth. This wraps up a both successful and enjoyable day for prisoners, guards and visitors.