The department of correctional services (DCS) celebrated its annual Corrections Week at the Norman Doubell Hall in Heidedal, Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
This year the focus was on a Reading for Redemption Programme, with the single minded goal to rehabilitate, educate, empower and develop offenders towards breaking the cycle of crime.
The national commissioner of the department of correctional services, Zacharia Modise, said that it is necessary for ex-offenders to be welcomed back in communities and given a second chance.
“It is important to read in order to achieve success in life and it is essential for nation building. Reading is a gateway to a better future. It can assist our nation to be successful and add to economic growth,” said Modise.
To promote the programme several book clubs were established in different correctional services around South Africa. The aim is to encourage offenders to read with the aim of gaining valuable knowledge. The DCS further teamed up with the department of sport, arts and culture to provide micro services to transport and gather books for offenders.
The detartment further undertook to assist in various projects to help ex-offenders and parolees to become more involved in reading activities. An ex-offender, Charles Dunn from Heidedal, launched his own book, Amazing Grace, at the event to emphasise the positive influence of reading.
“I had a dream to become a soccer player. Unfortunately I got involved with the wrong people and things. I lost vision and this led me to commit a murder. The day after I handed myself over I started reading a book which strengthened my character. These events inspired me to write the book in prison,” said Dunn.
Statistics indicate that only 14% of the population are active book readers, a mere 5% of parents read to their children, whilst 51% of South African households do not have a single leisure reading book.
Corrections Week takes place during September every year, which is also Heritage Month and Public Services month. – Mark Steenbok
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