04 Jul 2024

 Botswana Prison Service has organised a 10-day Christian Leadership Training for 50 prisoners, from Gaborone and other prisons from surrounding areas.

Officiating Tuesday, during the official opening of the Christian Leadership Training, themed, Spiritual Transformation: A Good Path for Reintegration, the divisional commander South, senior assistant commissioner of Prisons (SACP), Shakani Thani said the theme for the training was drawn from Romans 12:2, as a reminder that spiritual transformation was not only possible, but essential for re-integration.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve God’s will is- his good, pleasing, and perfect will, so says the Apostle Paul, in Romans 12:2,” he said.

This training, he said was also meant to ultimately empower the inmates to make a positive contribution in their families and the country, once reintegrated into the society.

Once spiritually transformed, the Diviosial Commander said the inmates would be able to develop a positive mindset that would guide them in making good and valuable decisions in their lives.

Therefore, he encouraged the inmates to take the workshop seriously and adhere to what they were taught, as the training was meant to empower them.  

The training, he said was not only for their benefit, but also for the benefit of everyone that they would interact with outside prison.

The main objective of the 10-day training, senior assistant commissioner of Prisons said was to instil spiritual transformation through inner renewal, restoration and reintegration.

“Our minds hold immense power, so spiritual transformation begins from within with a renewal of thought, purpose, and perspective. It’s not just about behaviour, it’s about a heart change that aligns with God’s purpose,” he added.

Beyond rehabilitation, senior assistant commissioner  said people needed restoration, therefore, regardless of past mistakes, he said each prisoner carried potential for positive change, adding that through spiritual growth that they would find healing and purpose.

“Leaving prison can be daunting, but spiritual transformation equips you. It empowers better choices, healthier relationships, and positive contributions to society,” he added. He encouraged the inmates to hold on to the word of God, as their guide to maintaining a strong character throughout their spiritual transformation journey.

Throughout the workshop, he said the Biblical scripture would be explored, encouraging the inmates to allow the message from the word of God to guide their steps as they seek transformation. Giving a testimony, an ex-prisoner, Mr Rikoruavi Hengari also encouraged the inmates to make deliberate decisions to change their lives and learn from their past mistakes.

Relying entirely on the word of God and embracing a one’s spiritual transformation journey, Mr Hengari said was a good path towards renewal and reintegration.

Assembly Bible College president, and principal facilitator of the training, Dr Phodiso Ntwaetsile hailed Botswana Prison Service for organising the transformative programme, saying it was an intentional and intelligent effort, as well as a faithful mindset change initiative anchoring on President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s goal of improving Botswana and Batswana.

“This initiative is a correctional strategy meant to change inmates to be people of a peaceful society. It is aimed at helping particularly inmates, by bringing spiritual insight and personal growth into their daily lives.

Its goal is to empower and prepare you to find a purpose and meaningful interaction with the society,” he said. Additionally, he said the Assembly Bible College, was fully committed to supporting Botswana Prison Service to transform and reintegrating the inmates, through provision of guidance and necessary resources.

Officer in Charge- First Offenders Boys Prison, senior superintendent Uthant Katse thanked government for ensuring total transformation of prisons in the country, adding that reintegration and capacity building workshops afforded to inmates showed how much government cared about transforming the lives of prisoners. ENDS