By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

Twenty-five female inmates at the Freetown Female Correctional Centre have received coaching D licensed Football Certificates last week.

This achievement followed an intensive four-day training program in Freetown, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS).

Speaking on behalf of the Acting Director General, Major Bah admired the collaborative efforts of Madam Isha Johansen, the former Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for their forward-thinking approach to inmates on their rehabilitation and empowerment.

Major Bah assured that the SLCS is committed to welcoming further partnerships with philanthropists and organizations that are willing to contribute to such transformative initiatives.

On behalf of the Madam Johansen, Aminata Bangura says “every accomplishment starts with the decision to try, and if your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough. I salute your determination and bold courage to not only dare to dream, but to also chase that dream.”

Johansen’s words resonated deeply with the inmates, who were visibly moved by the acknowledgment of their efforts and potentials.

One of the ceremony’s highlight was a presentation of certificates by Ugandan coach Majida Natanda, who played a pivotal role in training the inmates.

Her mentorship and guidance were crucial in equipping the women with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in football coaching.

An inmate delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to Isha Johansen and her team for empowering them with a valuable skill-set. She emphasized that the coaching certificates would provide them with legitimate employment opportunities upon their release, as a way of helping them to avoid returning to criminal activities.

“This certificate will go a long way in preventing us from going back to our wrong deeds,” she affirmed.

The awardees promised to use the qualification to secure decent livelihoods thus engaging on post-incarceration activities.