By Levy Masiteng
More than 50 learners from two Barberton secondary schools were given a first-hand glimpse of life behind bars during a visit to the Barberton Correctional Centre on Thursday as part of Mpumalanga’s annual School Safety Programme.
The initiative, led by the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison in partnership with the provincial Department of Education and the Department of Correctional Services, aims to deter young people from engaging in criminal activities by exposing them to the harsh realities of incarceration.
“This is a crime prevention initiative aimed at discouraging young people from engaging in criminal activities by exposing them to the harsh realities of incarceration,” the department said.
Learners from KaMhola and Ngwane secondary schools, both in the City of Mbombela, participated in the programme after being identified by the Department of Education as requiring interventions to promote discipline, safety and positive behaviour.
During the tour, learners visited different sections of the correctional facility, where they saw inmate cells, observed the meals served to prisoners and were introduced to the strict routines that govern daily prison life.
One of the most poignant moments came when inmates shared personal accounts of the decisions that led to their imprisonment and the consequences they continue to face.
“They urged the learners not to repeat their errors, warning them against joining gangs, abusing drugs or becoming involved in criminal activities,” the department said.
Officials said the programme is intended to provide learners with a realistic understanding of the consequences of crime rather than allowing perceptions to be shaped by social media or television. They believe the experience serves as a powerful deterrent to criminal behaviour.
The prison visits have become a longstanding feature of Mpumalanga’s School Safety Programme. Similar tours have been conducted at Barberton over the past decade, following the launch of the province’s School Safety Strategy in 2016 to combat school violence, gangsterism, drug abuse and other forms of learner delinquency.
Since then, the initiative has been held annually, targeting learners identified by education authorities as being in need of intervention.
Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesperson Moeti Mmusi has previously described the programme as providing learners with “a first-hand experience of the prison” and using it “as a tool to prevent the learners from being involved in criminal activities”.
The Department of Correctional Services has also characterised the initiative as an important awareness campaign that educates learners about the criminal justice system while highlighting the consequences of crime.
Earlier this year, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, condemned incidents of school violence and urged learners to reject criminal behaviour, remain focused on their education and make responsible life choices.
Officials said they hope the prison visit will leave a lasting impression on participants and encourage them to pursue futures free from crime.
INSIDE EDUCATION
