Learning for Life programme launched at YTC

FIFTEEN teens at the Youth Training Centre (YTC) will benefit from an annual programme which helps offenders reintegrate into society after serving time at the facility.

The Christian-oriented, non-governmental organisation, Caring for Ex-Offenders, launched its Learning For Life Programme at YTC in Arouca on Saturday. It is themed Consolidating Aftercare and will run until December.

It offers the teens, who are referred to as clients, religious instruction as well as a variety of life skills to assist them in preparing for life outside YTC.

“The TT Prison Service has a shared responsibility, something we should all keep in mind. We cannot do this alone. We need you, parents. Your children are here with us but they are still yours. You are their main support system,” said Sherwin Bruce, assistant Commissioner of Prisons – programmes and industry – speaking to an audience of parents and the teenage clients.

The prison services’ strategy for the youths’ development inside YTC and reintegration outside, Bruce said, is methodical and operates in the best interest of the clients and members of the public. “As our nation continues to grapple with rising crime and murder rates, horrific crimes and violence and instability, involving our youth, the TT Prison Service is committed to building a juvenile justice system that is rational,” he said.

“Our juvenile system is rational, fair, effective and linked to service organisations and state agencies. Such systems holds young offenders accountable for their actions, provides for their rehabilitation, protects them from harm, increases their life chances and manages the risk they pose to themselves and the public.”

Bruce, however, emphasised that the programme is futile without adequate after-care.

“...We want whatever we do to be data driven. It has to be monitored and evaluated to see whether or not our input is sufficient to get the output we’re looking for.”

Turning his attention to the volunteers, Bruce lauded their efforts, which in some cases stretches more than two decades.

“We want you to know that we appreciate your commitment and hard work with which you have demonstrated over the years to touch, save and transform the lives of dozens of young men.” The teenagers were shown a video in which a woman, whose father was murdered, finally found peace after decades when she met the offender. It was meant to reflect a segment of the programme in which the YTC teenagers meet their victims.