The Inmates Educational Foundation (IEF), a non-profit organisation, recently completed a thorough six-week digital skills training programme for thirty (30) juveniles at the Oregun Correctional Centre in Ikeja, Lagos.
Mahfuz Alabidun, the organization’s Executive Director, revealed that the program was arranged in partnership with Creative Digital Technologies and supported by Nigeria Youth Future Funds (NYFF) and Leap Africa.
According to him, the digital skills training covered important skills such as understanding ICT and basic computer operations, internet navigation, word processing, spreadsheet skills, and presentation software.
“This year’s programme also introduced exciting games like Chess, Puzzle Game, Rubik Skills, and Dart Skills to enhance the participants’ cognitive development and teamwork skills,” he added.
Mahfuz noted that the programme concluded on Saturday, 24 August, 2024 with the presentation of projects implemented by the participants, saying that he was impressed by the quality of projects that were displayed by the juveniles.
The NGO boss explained that the programme aimed to equip the juveniles with essential digital literacy skills that would enhance their education and personal growth and prepare them for a smoother reintegration into society upon their release.
He said: “We are proud to have made a positive impact on the lives of these young individuals. Our goal is not only to empower them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in today’s technology-driven world, but to also prepare them for a smoother reintegration into the society upon their release.”
Alabidun, on the other hand, urged organisations and brands in the country to sponsor such projects, saying that they promote personal growth, education, and career success for young offenders in correctional facilities.
He stated that his agency is still devoted to fostering inclusion by providing formal education and capacity development training to offenders, particularly juveniles, across the country’s correctional facilities in order to facilitate their reintegration into society.
Idris Adegbite, Executive Director of Creatives Digital Technologies, stated that the success of the six-week training program highlights the importance of collaboration and support among organisations and individuals committed to making a difference in the lives of juveniles in correctional facilities.