Journal of
Philosophy and Culture

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CLASSICS AND PHILOSOPHY, UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST
  • Abbreviation: J. Philos. Cult.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 0855-6660
  • DOI: 10.5897/JPC
  • Start Year: 2004
  • Published Articles: 57

Full Length Research Paper

Reintegrating released and rehabilitated offenders: A case of Windhoek Correctional Facility on Khomas Region, Namibia

Basil Fredericks
  • Basil Fredericks
  • Adult Education, Faculty of Education, University of Namibia, Namibia.
  • Google Scholar
N. Mbukusa
  • N. Mbukusa
  • Adult Education, Faculty of Education, University of Namibia, Namibia.
  • Google Scholar
Hendrik R. Tjibeba
  • Hendrik R. Tjibeba
  • Religious and Biblical Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Namibia, Namibia.
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 05 March 2021
  •  Accepted: 14 September 2021
  •  Published: 30 September 2021

Abstract

National correctional services such as life and social skills aims to rehabilitate and integrate offenders into the communities where they came from with a purpose of balancing societies and enabling offenders to overcome economic, social and personal challenges that may come their way. Such programs have a great impact on society because education thereof denotes change. This study examines the experiences of ex-offenders after being released from lawful custody and sent back to their communities. Using a qualitative approach, designed with convenience and criteria sampling techniques, five (5) released and reintegrated offenders, rehabilitated through vocational education and training. Offenders felt that, families and communities showed rejections. Initial isolation and stigmatization from society was also noted as employers are often reluctant to hire former offenders. In some cases, the absence of stable housing allows an ex-offender to feel a routine in a safe environment. It is recommended that policy makers within the Department of Correctional Services in Windhoek, Namibia should generate and improve on existing policies to help released offenders obtain their self-esteem, confidence and self-respect. It is further recommended that social workers may educate families and societies about the support released offenders need. The Correctional facility should have a better release plan with community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations to make services available after release.

 

Key words: Rehabilitation, integration, isolation, rejection, self-esteem, experiences.