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Sentebale renovations at The Juvenile Training Centre

Officials arrive for the opening of the new facilities.

The Juvenile Training Center (JTC) was established in 1972 as a detention Centre for the young offenders within the Prison services. There are 60 boys and 14 girls aged between 14 to 18 years of age, convicted of both petty and major crimes. The majority of these teenagers are either single or double orphans and are also the heads of their households.

Sentebale was approached by the Ministry of Justice and Constructional Affairs through the department of Correctional Services to help improve the conditions at the JTC. It was in an incredibly poor state and the children were suffering. Sentebale saw the need to raise the standards here; it was essential not just for the wellbeing of the teenagers but vital to facilitate their rehabilitation. We have refurbished three dormitories, a kitchen block and a dining hall.

UNICEF also contributed with funding towards a needs assessment which Sentebale is conducting in order to enable the JTC to develop a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for the convicts.

In a vote of thanks one of the boys said they were thankful to all those who directly and indirectly responded to their cry for improved accommodation and services:

“We have since learnt from our past mistakes and promise to go out as converted disciples to show and teach other young people how to avoid coming to JTC. We heartily thank you all for the care and support”

Speaking at the opening of the new facilities, the Acting Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Justice Mr. Masenyetse thanked both Sentebale and Unicef; he said that the two organisations have clearly showed passion for OVCs and have played a significant role towards the realisation of their human rights. He extended his gratitude to all key participants, government ministries, and civil society for helping towards building the resilience for young offenders and further equipping them with the life skills meant to enhance their lives beyond JTC.

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