Over 20 inmates at the Senior Correctional Centre, formerly Borstal Home here in Accra will take part in this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E) this week.
The inmates will be joining thousands of candidates in various basic schools in the country as they look forward to completing their basic education this year.
Head of ICT and Operations at the Centre, ASP Abass Bio, said the inmates are psyched up and prepared to write the exams.
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According to him, inmates who sat for the B.E.C.E in the past were successful and had admission into various Senior High Schools (SHS).
“Last year, we registered a similar number and they did well in the exams. They are currently in some SHS here in Accra including St. Thomas Aquinas, Osu Presec among others schools”, he indicated.
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Apart from formal education, there are inmates who are also trained at the centre’s vocational school to be equipped with various skills.
“There are those who are trained at the vocational school and acquire National Vocational Training Institute(NVTI) certificates at the end of the training”, he added.
According to ASP Abass, with the support of society, these children have a bright future.
“Though government is doing its best in caring for these children, I will ask that individuals, families and corporate bodies pay regular visit to show them love”, ASP Abass said.
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He said this on the sidelines when CEO of Golden Dalhia, Ernestina Kuwornu, celebrated her birthday with the inmates and shared the word of God with them.
Meanwhile, a relative of the celebrant, Stella Amarh, says she’s shocked to know that some families of inmates reject them after they have successfully served their terms.
She fears stigmatization will affect the future of the inmates negatively.
“I find it hard to believe families could do this to their own. When it happens this way, there are several implications. Being here doesn’t make one a criminal”, she said
The celebrant, Ernestina Kuwornu, is egging corporate bodies and individuals to assist children who are sent to the centre.