A delegation of Canadian students visiting the Mohammed VI Foundation for the reintegration of prisoners
Rabat – The Mohammed VI Foundation for the reintegration of prisoners recently received in Rabat a delegation of 22 Canadian students at the School of Applied Politics at the University of Sherbrooke (Quebec).
<!–
–>
The visit of these master’s students in international cooperation is in line with the Foundation’s policy of openness to the various departments and public establishments, whether Moroccan or foreign, and of promoting its pioneering experiences in regarding the protection of prisoners and post-prison support, the Foundation indicated in a press release.
It offered an opportunity for the Canadian delegation to learn about the actions of the Mohammed VI Foundation and its services in terms of monitoring and helping with the reintegration of prisoners after having served their prison sentence.
Emphasis was also placed on coordination with the various public sectors with a view to anchoring the values of citizenship and human dignity, but also the culture of human rights. This effort, underlines the Foundation, is deployed in line with the royal vision in this area and the integrated strategy aimed at the professional and economic inclusion of residents of penitentiary establishments and child protection centers.
On the other hand, Canadian students learned about the educational activities of the Mohammed VI Foundation, during a visit to the reintegration support centers of Béni Mellal (May 10) and Meknes (May 20).
The delegation also visited the child protection center in Meknes, and took part in a charity ceremony marked by a children’s sports show. During this ceremony, the Canadian students offered symbolic gifts to the residents of the center.
Interview with Dr. Sarah Bennett, Expert in Criminal Justice and Reintegration Programs
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Bennett! Thank you for joining us today. Recently, a delegation of Canadian students from the University of Sherbrooke visited the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Reintegration of Prisoners in Rabat. What do you think motivated this educational trip?
Dr. Sarah Bennett (DSB): Thank you for having me! The visit by the Canadian students reflects a growing interest in global approaches to criminal justice. The Mohammed VI Foundation focuses on reintegration, emphasizing rehabilitation rather than punishment, which is a topic of considerable discussion in countries like Canada. Such exchanges can foster understanding of different models and practices in managing rehabilitation.
TNE: That’s an interesting point. Can you provide insights into what the Mohammed VI Foundation specifically does to assist prisoners in their reintegration?
DSB: Absolutely. The foundation provides various programs aimed at facilitating the social reintegration of prisoners, including vocational training, educational support, and psychological counseling. Their goal is to equip former inmates with the necessary skills and resources to reintegrate into society successfully and reduce recidivism rates.
TNE: How does this model compare to the reintegration programs offered in Canada?
DSB: Canada has its own range of programs, but the focus tends to be more on community service and transitional housing options. In Morocco, the approach taken by the Mohammed VI Foundation is more centralized, potentially allowing for a cohesive strategy. However, Canadian models incorporate more community engagement, which is crucial for building support networks for reintegrating individuals. Each system has its strengths, and examining them side by side can yield valuable insights.
TNE: The visit by these students indicates an investment in understanding global perspectives. How important is this kind of international collaboration in the field of criminal justice?
DSB: It’s extremely important. International collaboration can lead to shared best practices, improved policies, and a deeper understanding of the social contexts that influence criminal behavior. Programs like these help break down cultural barriers and create a more nuanced approach to social justice issues on a global scale.
TNE: What do you think the students took away from their experience at the foundation?
DSB: I believe they gained firsthand experience of how different cultural and social dynamics influence rehabilitation methods. This exposure could enhance their future work in criminal justice, providing them with a broader outlook on effective policies and practices. It also likely sparked discussions about how to adapt successful strategies to their own contexts.
TNE: as we look to the future, what are some key changes you would like to see in the field of prisoner reintegration?
DSB: I would love to see a greater emphasis on individualized rehabilitation plans that consider the unique backgrounds and needs of each prisoner. Also, increasing community involvement and support for reintegration could ensure that those who have served their sentences are welcomed back into society. Lastly, continued investment in research will be crucial in understanding what truly works in reducing recidivism rates.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Bennett, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that the exchange of ideas in this field can lead to significant advancements in how we approach rehabilitation and reintegration.
DSB: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic with you.