An overview of the vocational training class (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

In October Hanoi Police Detention Center No.1 opened the first vocational training class in electronics and refrigeration for prisoners.

Lieutenant Colonel Pham Chien Thang, Deputy Warder of the Center, said that Detention Center No.1 is coordinating with the Hanoi College of Electronics and Refrigeration to offer vocational training to 25 inmates.

“Most of them are about to reintegrate into the community and have abided by the Center’s regulations. The class will last 3 months and involve about 300 hours of study. Those who complete the program will receive a vocational certificate from the Hanoi College of Electronics and Refrigeration,” said Thang.

The class is divided into 4 groups of 5 to 7 prisoners, offering both theory and hands-on practice in repairing household electrical appliances. 70% of the 3-month course is dedicated to practical experience, so when they reintegrate into the community, the ex-criminals can earn an honest living. The youngest participant is 19 and the eldest is 50.

T.D.K, a prisoner who is attending the class, said, “The class gives us basic knowledge about home electrical repair. We will have a new career direction after completing our prison sentence. Most of us feel a new sense of purpose in returning to society with hope for of a stable career. I’m trying to learn and improve my skills. We want to thank the board of supervisors for their concern and our teachers for their enthusiastic teaching.”

Teacher Tran Liem Hieu (blue shirt) instructs the prisoners. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

The Hanoi College of Electronics and Refrigeration provided 8 teachers to conduct the vocational training.

According to Tran Liem Hieu, Head of the Electrical and Automotive Technology Faculty, as the students have different backgrounds, ages, and personalities, their learning is uneven.

“But we do our best to teach them in the hope that they will be able to have an honest career. Because the students are special, we’ve selected the teachers with the best pedagogical skills. When they complete the class, they can continue studying at Hanoi College of Electronics and Refrigeration to improve their qualifications,” said Hieu. “This program demonstrates the State’s leniency for prisoners. With this certificate, they will be qualified to join the labor market,” Hieu noted.

Hanoi Police Detention Center No.1 plans to expand the model to help more prisoners earn an honest living when they reintegrate into society.