Saudi- Prisoners to learn computer skills

(MENAFN- Arab News) The Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Foundation for Human Development plans to establish four computer centers in Riyadh prisons with the goal of providing the inmates with new skills and hopes for their future.
Issa Al-Ansari secretary-general of the foundation said that the centers would function as part of the rehabilitation program for prisoners. The program aims to teach basic skills that will allow inmates a means of supporting themselves after their release.
Al-Ansari said the establishment of the centers is part of an agreement with the General Administration for Prisons in order to qualify and train prisoners. The aim is to create an opportunity for employment among the inmates once they have been released.
He said he had personally visited prisons in the Riyadh region during the past week to check on the establishment of the computer learning centers.
'We plan to establish centers for 25 prisoners who will learn computer skills. This will assist them in finding jobs and living a good life after leaving prison' he said.
He added that the foundation also planned to establish computer centers in Jazan Madinah Hail Tabuk and Arar prisons in the coming months.
Al-Ansari said the project for computer skills would have two benefits rehabilitation plus opportunities for employment. Six such projects are already working successfully in the Eastern Province prisons with five new projects to be implemented in different prisons in the Kingdom.
In 2013 the Riyadh-based King Saud University (KSU) in collaboration with the Interior Ministry established a rehabilitation program for prisoners and ex-offenders in Riyadh which included involving academics and the community including psychologists and religious scholars.