A young girl from Rwanda, who wishes to remain anonymous, has shared her story of transformation after being sentenced to 5 years in the Nyagatare Juvenile Rehabilitation Center for drug trafficking at the age of 14. She revealed that her life took a drastic turn when she started selling drugs, earning between 30,000 to 50,000 Rwandan Francs, which made her feel like she had a good job and wouldn't struggle financially.
According to her, she was influenced by her peers and started selling drugs after completing her primary education. She used short messages to communicate with her suppliers and clients, and her earnings made her feel like she was living a comfortable life. However, her life changed when she was caught by security forces, and she was sentenced to 5 years in the rehabilitation center.
The young girl expressed that her first day at the rehabilitation center was filled with fear, as she was not sure what to expect. She was worried that she might be influenced by other inmates who had been involved in drug trafficking. However, as she settled in, she discovered that the center offered educational programs and other activities that helped her change her behavior and attitude.
She mentioned that the center's approach to rehabilitation, which includes counseling and education, helped her to reflect on her past actions and make amends. She also appreciated the support she received from the center's staff and other inmates, which helped her to regain her confidence and self-esteem.
The young girl emphasized that her experience at the rehabilitation center had taught her valuable lessons about the dangers of drug trafficking and the importance of making informed decisions. She advised her peers to avoid getting involved in such activities, as they can have severe consequences. She also urged parents to be more involved in their children's lives and to provide them with guidance and support.
The Nyagatare Juvenile Rehabilitation Center, which is located in the Nyagatare District, currently houses 528 inmates, including 23 girls, between the ages of 14 and 18. The center provides educational programs, including primary and secondary education, as well as vocational training. The center's management reported that all inmates who took their national exams passed, demonstrating the center's commitment to helping them continue their education.
The young girl's story serves as a testament to the center's efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate young offenders into society. She expressed her gratitude for the support she received and emphasized that her experience at the center had given her a second chance to rebuild her life and make positive changes. She hopes to use her story to inspire others to make better choices and avoid getting involved in activities that can have severe consequences.
Key points
- The young girl's story highlights the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration programs for juvenile offenders.
- The Nyagatare Juvenile Rehabilitation Center provides educational programs and counseling to help inmates change their behavior and attitude.
- The center's approach to rehabilitation has shown positive results, with all inmates who took their national exams passing.
