Shimo la Tewa Celebrates the Resilience of 65 Youth Ready for Reintegration

Mombasa, August 2024: Sixty-five young offenders at Shimo la Tewa Borstal Institution have successfully reintegrated into society after three years of comprehensive probation and rehabilitation. Shimo la Tewa Borstal Institution, renowned for its rigorous yet supportive approach to juvenile correction, provided these young offenders with an intensive program designed to address the root causes of their delinquent behaviour while equipping them with essential life skills for a productive future.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Justina Mwangombe, the correctional centre manager, expressed her pride in the achievements of the reformed youth. “Witnessing these young men transform and prepare for reintegration into society is what we strive for daily. Our program emphasises discipline, education, and vocational training, all crucial for their successful reentry into the community,” she said.

Education and mental health awareness are core components of Shimo la Tewa’s rehabilitation program. Enhanced through a partnership with Amref Health Africa, the Mombasa County Department of Health, and other stakeholders, the institution offers tailored mental health and psychosocial support programs. The programs aim to ensure that every youth better understands the world, their role, and the resilience needed for the future. “This group is unique because they have been part of the psychosocial support mentorship program offered in collaboration with Amref and the digital crush course certification, which offers courses such as young offenders in robotics, gaming & animation, coding, machine learning & AI, 3D design & printing, cybersecurity, graphic design, and digital marketing skills. Additionally, they receive mandatory training in life skills such as self-care, carpentry, agriculture, tailoring and motor vehicle mechanics.” SSP Mwangombe explained 

Anne Gitimu, Director of Family and Reproductive Health at Amref Health Africa in Kenya, highlighted the critical role of mental and reproductive health in rehabilitation “Self-care equips young people with essential skills for managing stress, improving mental and physical health, fostering responsibility, and reducing the likelihood of reoffending, ultimately supporting their successful rehabilitation and future well-being. At Amref, we believe in providing these young men with the tools they need to succeed beyond the correctional facility. Our collaboration with Shimo la Tewa has been instrumental in their progress, and we are proud of their achievements. This milestone underscores the profound impact of holistic rehabilitation programs in transforming lives and offering a second chance to youth who were previously on the wrong side of the law.” she stated.

During the pre-release graduation, Dr Mbwarali Kame, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education in Mombasa and Chief guest, emphasised the community’s role in welcoming the youth back to society. “The journey of reintegration is not without challenges, but with community support and continued mentorship, these young men have a greater chance of success. Rehabilitation does not end at the gates of Shimo la Tewa; it requires ongoing support from the entire community. We were committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure their successful reintegration, including opportunities for further education, employment, and social integration,” he said. Dr. Mbwarali also called on development partners to support new initiatives for reformed offenders, such as scholarships and internship programs, to help them transition smoothly. 

Equally, Betty Sharon, a Board Member at Shimo la Tewa Borstal Institution and CEO of the Coast Women Empowerment Association, underscored the importance of caring for both the young offenders and the staff who supported them. “If you do not care for a tree, you cannot reap good fruits. This is why we also prioritised the psychosocial and personal development of the institutional support staff. However, we need more partners to support this aspect of progressive youth rehabilitation nationwide. We must create an environment where these young men feel welcomed and supported. Only then can we break the cycle of reoffending and truly rehabilitate,” she noted. 

In her closing remarks, Celina Kithinji, County Adolescents and Youth, Mental Health and GBV Coordinator, commended the collaborative efforts of all partners empowering the youth in the country. She emphasised the importance of recognising both boys and girls’ unique challenges. “The well-being of our youth is shaped by the environments they grow up in. Some children benefit from supportive, resource-rich settings that foster success, while others face more challenging circumstances. No child controls the conditions they are born into; these factors should never judge their worth. As a community, we sometimes overlook their humanity and the experiences that led them astray and label them “criminals”. We must acknowledge their strengths, talents, and hopes for the future, and providing a safe space for education and life skills is a foundation for becoming responsible citizens.” She explained. 

The RISE project, led by Amref Health Africa in Kenya and funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, is working towards strengthening inclusion, health, and education for vulnerable children and youth who are in conflict with the law. In collaboration with the Directorate of Children’s Services, Tree of Life Kenya, and the Ministry of Health, this initiative focuses on enhancing inclusion, health, and education for young individuals aged 7-24, with a mission to create lasting, positive change across the county.

Author: Edna Mosiara, Communication Specialist, Amref Health Africa in Kenya.