Mogadishu, Somalia, SONNA – The Somali Minister of Justice, Hassan Ma’allin, officially inaugurated a newly equipped and renovated vocational training center for prisoners at the Central Prison in Mogadishu. The facility, funded and constructed by the Turkish government, aims to provide inmates with skills training to aid their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The handover ceremony was attended by Turkey’s Ambassador to Somalia HE Alper Aktaş, who formally presented the center to Minister Ma’allin. The project is part of Turkey’s ongoing support for Somalia’s justice and correctional services, emphasizing education and vocational training as key tools for reducing recidivism.
The newly renovated center is equipped with modern tools and resources to train prisoners in various trades, including carpentry, tailoring, welding, and information technology. The initiative seeks to empower inmates with employable skills, increasing their chances of successful reintegration post-release.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Hassan Ma’allin expressed gratitude to the Turkish government for its continued support.
“This training center represents a significant step in our efforts to reform the correctional system. By providing prisoners with skills, we are not only improving their futures but also contributing to national security and economic stability,” he said.
Turkey has been a key partner in Somalia’s development, investing in infrastructure, education, and security. Ambassador Alper Aktaş reiterated Turkey’s dedication to supporting Somalia’s justice sector.
“Education and vocational training are vital for rehabilitation. Turkey is proud to support Somalia in building a more just and prosperous society,” the ambassador stated.
The opening of the training center aligns with the Somali government’s broader prison reform strategy, which focuses on humane treatment, education, and skill development for inmates. Officials hope that such initiatives will reduce crime rates by offering prisoners alternatives to criminal activity upon release.
The event concluded with a tour of the facility, where attendees observed ongoing training sessions and interacted with inmates benefiting from the program.
