Africa-Press – Botswana. The stigma that offenders face after imprisonment and rehabilitation is tantamount to a life sentence.
This was a concern raised by parents who thronged the 35th graduation of Botswana Institute of Rehabilitation and Reintegration of offenders (BIRRO) in Gaborone on Friday, to witness nine young men released back into society after recovering from drug and alcohol abuse.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, a parent and affiliate of BIRRO, Ms Agnes Gaetsewe of Oodi said her wish was for the graduates to bring about the much needed difference in their communities.
She said this would only be possible if the society accepted and tolerated those that had been reintegrated into communities.
She said recently they formed a team of parents in attempt to help BIRRO in its efforts of ending drugs and substance abuse as well as all other activities the organisation was aimed to undertake.
Ms Gaetsewe said drugs situation in communities remained a huge concern.
She called on parents to have one voice in fighting the terrible substances ripping communities apart.
“Our association as parents will forge-ties with the media and related stakeholders such as BIRRO to raise concerns and alarms where necessary in efforts to eradicate this monster called drugs,” she said.
She said the rehabilitation boot-camps hosted by BIRRO were not for profit making, however they continued to bring results despite limited funds to execute their mandate.
She said parents and government departments ought to provide the centre with any assistance possible to better its conditions.
From University of Botswana, Department of Sociology – Criminal Justice Studies, Ms Kebonengwana Mashaka said their relationship with BIRRO was bound by periodic invitations as guest lecturers targeted at sharing life experiences of crime, including punishment.
This also took into account experiences gathered during times of reintegration in to the society and challenges thereof, she added.
She said BIRRO brought reality to the theory they taught students in classes and seminars, mentioning that the institution also continued to absorb students for internship programme.
“We also have student-based society called University of Botswana Criminal Justice Society where members of this group occasionally work with BIRRO on crime prevent outreach programmes,” she said.
Ms Mashaka said the duo often engaged with the community to share messages on the consequences of crime, drugs and substance abuse.
She said they were in discussions with BIRRO to conduct a joint research over the prevalence of cases concerning alcohol and drug abuse including crime across the societal spectrum.
BIRRO director Mr Mothei Sejakgomo said the graduation followed September 2022 enrolments, which took in 21 young males, mostly suffering from diverse drug abuse.
He said the cadre enrolled encompassed both students and professionals aged between 16 – 35 years.
He said usually it was not an easy task to absorb the individuals, mentioning that some had guns and knives in their homesteads which sometimes made it difficult to apprehend and bring them to the rehabilitation centre.
Mr Sejakgomo said challenges were ever-present especially those that were linked to delivering internal processes, citing that rehabilitation in its nature was an expensive task which needed funds to implement.
He said the health and wellness of those enrolled at boot camps remained a priority, therefore they were forced to limit intake. He said the institution would soon start enrolling the girl-child.
He urged the private sector, families and government departments to come on-board and assist with anything possible to help end drug abuse across the nation.
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