Organised by Superintendent K. Goliath and supervised by Deputy A. Tjiueza, the workshop was aimed at tackling the issues surrounding alcohol, including addiction, health risks, safe usage and damage prevention.

The Prison currently has a basic alcohol treatment plan for dealing with alcoholic prisoners and funds nurses to take care of any inmates with substance abuse problems. However, “the more information prisoners get the better” says Chief W. Izaks, “the workshop has been very beneficial and inmates have commented that they will continue to spread the message they have learned to fellow prisoners and, when they are released, to a wider audience.”

The Alcohol Awareness session is just one of several workshops that have been held for prisoners in recent months in an effort to help educate inmates about important issues such as HIV/ AIDS, stress and self control, and the Prison hopes to offer inmates further educational opportunities in the future.

Since July 2007 I must admit that the rehabilitation system, in my personal opinion, was so far conducted in a way that allowed each and every individual to see the difference and change in their lives.

I personally would like to thank Supi Kallie and Nurse Sandra Oriman. Thanlkyou to Gregory De Vries, it was an experience and a life lesson to have your support and guidance. ‘Greg’ you are simply the best, you will always be the best example of a ‘changed life’ in my life. Keep up the best and live your life to the fullest.

Love, peace and happiness Douglas from Gibeon

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.