Prison inmates seize second chances

On 10 October, Lawrence Tjiundja will be a free man.He is one of four Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) inmates who took part in the third National Skills Competition at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre in Oshana Region. Tjiundja took part in the wall and floor tiling category.A total of 158 competitors participated.Lessons learntNamibian Sun spoke with Tjiundja, who has served 10 years at the Windhoek Correctional Facility after he was found guilty of raping a minor – his cousin. Tjiundja said at the time that he wasn’t aware that sleeping with a minor was considered rape. During his prison term, he educated himself on Namibia&#039;s rape laws and began to teach fellow inmates about the issue of consent. Turning over a new leafTjiundja is now committed to becoming a role model and a productive citizen, despite the barriers that society has put in place against former prison inmates and continues to reinforce. He is confident that there can be a positive life after prison.“I am very delighted to be part of this competition. It is an honour for me. From correctional facility to the world,” he exclaimed excitedly.Tjiundja said while the competition was difficult and challenging, he persevered. He proudly stood and showed the tiling of his bathroom wall, which depicted a sailing boat and a house.Life lessonsAlthough he was sentenced to 15 years, he will only serve 10 years before he is released on bail within the next week, after his term was cut.Tjiundja said he learnt the hard way. “I would say from 0-100. When I went to prison, I was not thinking about anything positive. I felt my life was over. But that thinking quickly turned around as more years went by. I have now learnt a lot. The correctional services helped me learn while inside. I am proud of NCS and myself,” he said.‘Crime doesn’t pay’Tjiundja said while he is aware of the high rate of unemployment in the country, especially amongst the youth, he is urging them not to waste any opportunities given to them.“I wasted 10 years of my life in prison. Stay away from crime. Join training institutions. Go back to school if you have to. Do something with your life. It is the only way you can get somewhere; otherwise, you will end up committing a crime, and crime doesn’t pay,” he said.Stop rapingTjiundja said he has heard about the high number of rape incidents in Namibia, and it breaks his heart to think about what the victims are put through.“We men should stop what we are doing. It is not right. I know that what I did was also not right. To my fellow men, please stop rape. It causes trauma for the victim. They might drop out of school, and it alters their life. We are putting other people’s lives in danger. I have called my cousin, and I apologised, and I apologised to the parents as well,” he said.Excited about the future Another inmate, Patrick Gariseb, participated in the automotive technology trade category and walked away with a silver medal.Gariseb, too, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enhance his skills. He has been in prison for six years and is due to be released in a few months.“I have gained skills to help me with my reintegration into society, and I am excited about what I have to offer the world,” he said.The two inmates are on a simple mission: to rebuild their lives "one day at a time".They have vowed to remain committed to finding their feet in a changed world after their release.

Prison inmates seize second chances

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-19

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Prison inmates seize second chances

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-19

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