Maseru, Aug.04—The South African High Commissioner Ms. Constance Seopesengwe has resumed the 67 minutes program of the construction of classrooms in commemoration of the Nelson Mandela International day at the Juvenile Training Centre (JTC) in Maseru on Friday.
Speaking at this event, Ms. Seopesengwe said this is the second time the commission commemorates the day with the Juvenile centre indicating that the 67 minutes program is about creating sustainable development projects for its beneficiaries.
She mentioned that this program was established as it goes with the late former president of South Africa’s quest of improving the livelihood of children through collaborative measures
She added that she is proud of the progress that the juvenile training centre has made in terms of development towards the rehabilitation of inmates.
Ms. Seopesengwe however urged the inmates to ensure that they appreciate the efforts which are put into the centre by different partners with the purpose of having them rehabilitated.
In his remarks on behalf of the Commissioner of the Lesotho Correctional Services, Deputy Commissioner Mosheane Ts’olo said rehabilitation at the centre has been challenged due to lack of resources therefore the contribution from the South African High Commission and other partners is appreciated.
He said the condition of the centre, in terms of the infrastructure, is not a conducive one for rehabilitation due to the number of inmates.
Meanwhile, on behalf of the incoming partners Mr. Teboho Mosehla of Engen Lesotho said it takes a village to raise a child therefore they shall stand in solidarity with the juvenile centre to ensure the well-being of the inmates.
He however called in other partners to chip in to this matter as there is a lot of work that needs to be done at the centre for creating a welcoming environment for the inmates.
The Juvenile Training Centre (JTC) accommodates under-age prisoners from the age of 11 to 17. It currently has inmates of not more than 70 boys and less than 5 girls
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