Additional Chemical and Electrical Engineering Programs

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Friday, September 12th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

According to Colonel Mohammed Saif Matar Al Zaabi, Head of the Punitive and Correctional Establishments Department at Abu Dhabi Police, the rehabilitation program for inmates of the Punitive and Correctional Establishments' at Abu Dhabi Police has attracted inmates wishing to prepare for joining the work force after completing their jail sentences.  “Statistics indicate that the number of inmates who enrolled in the program amounted to 1302 inmates in 2014, a 2% increase compared to last year, with 1277 inmates. This demonstrates that the program has achieved 100% of its goals last year,” said Colonel Al Zaabi.

“The fact that Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters renewed its contract with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) proves the unprecedented success of the program, which prepares and rehabilitates inmates of the Punitive and Correctional Establishments academically. During the two–year long rehabilitation program, inmates learn scientific, occupational and individual skills that qualify them to join the work force,” added Colonel Al Zaabi.

Colonel Mohammed Saif Matar Al Zaabi also noted that two new disciplines have been  added to the academic program (chemical and electrical engineering), in line with the instructions of the police leadership to rehabilitate  inmates to join the work force and avail job opportunities that are available according to their field of expertise.  "The program also contributes to reintegrate inmates into social and family environments, to be a positive force in supporting the development and modernization of the country,” he continued.

Good Conduct

For his part, Captain Abdul Jalil Ismail, Coordination and Rehabilitation Branch Manager, explained that the ‘Job Market’ program is an educational program implemented in collaboration with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), at the rate of 25 hours per week in four classes, over the course of two semesters. "In line with the program, HCT is dedicated to helping inmates find good job opportunities after completing the Program. Inmates can also pursue their academic attainment at the same higher colleges of technology in case they are released before completing the program. They are also issued a good conduct certificate to help them seek a job in the government," said Captain Ismail. He also noted that the program does not require having a secondary education, and that the Punitive and Correctional Establishments Department provides a psychological counsel to accompany the graduates after their release.

Chemical and Electrical Engineering Programs

Ossama Jaber, ‘Job Market’ program coordinator at HCT, said that the addition of the chemical and electrical engineering courses to the academic program has been highly acclaimed by the inmates, especially those wishing to work for oil companies or the Electricity Department. "Successfully passing the IELTS test is a major requirement to pursue studies and obtain a Bachelor's Degree," he continued.

Al Tayyeb Mohamed Saeed, Library Official, elaborated on the role of the Rehabilitation Section in educating inmates by providing the library with all sorts of literature, scientific and cultural books in all languages, in addition to the audio library. He also noted that inmates are allowed to borrow and read these books from the library or are allotted two hours per day to visit the library for free reading.

Al Tayyeb Mohamed Saeed also tackled the valuable role of library access in supporting the ‘Job Market’ program. He revealed that there are many incentives that contribute to rehabilitating inmates for work as librarians or to have their own business in this field. "The library also benefits from inmates' experience in computer and binding; they would receive a symbolic salary, as encouragement for their work. Not to mention the moral and intellectual support, which grants inmates psychological stability," he added.

Computer Engineering

Computer expert Karam Bou Yahya noted that the unexpected turnout of inmates to the program to obtain the International Computer Driving License (ICDL), highlights the importance of this certificate, which is a computer literacy certification program that qualifies the employee to operate all available computer programs, and to master (ICDL) to run the major applications needed by the user in his career. Bou Yahya also pointed out that there is an accredited examination center within the Punitive and Correctional Establishments Department that grants the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) to the inmates who succeed in exams.

For his part, Khaled Youssef Khadraoui, English expert, praised the turnout of inmates to study the first widely learned language in the world, for its importance in the job market. He also explained that the number of students per class is 45 students of different nationalities.

Moreover, Khadraoui stated that as part of the program, a permanent committee is in charge of determining the academic stages according to every inmate’s level. He also asserted that the program’s curriculum is one of the best English curricula in the world and qualifies participants to pass the IELTS test. “In case inmates are released before completing their studies, they would be able to continue their academic attainment at the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT),” he said. He noted that the initiative that the Ministry of Interior strives to implement is a first-of-its-kind in the Arab region.

Number plates

For his part, Mohammed Ahmed Al Rashedi, Number Plate Factory supervisor, highlighted the valuable role of the factory that was opened in 2011, in coordination with the Punitive and Correctional Institutions Department, the Social Solidarity Fund (Takafol), and the Vehicles and Drivers Licensing Department. He also stated that inmates working at the factory receive a symbolic salary and have managed to manufacture 3000 numbers per day. He also indicated that inmates enrolled in this program obtain an expert certificate, which qualifies them to work in this field following their release; thanks to the full coordination between the factory and the program, to complete practical training in accordance with the requirements for graduation.

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com

Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/12061/en