Ras Al Khaimah: In a notable advancement for inmate rehabilitation, the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, in partnership with Ras Al Khaimah Police General Headquarters, has inaugurated the Social and Educational Club at the Emirate's Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility.
According to Emirates News Agency, the inauguration was graced by several dignitaries, including Mohammed Omran, Chairman of the Al Qasimi Foundation; Dr. Natasha Ridge, Executive Director of the Al Qasimi Foundation; Brigadier Dr. Tariq Mohammed bin Saif, Director General of Police Operations at Ras Al Khaimah Police; and Brigadier Abdullah Mohammed Al Haimer, Director of the Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility.
The Social and Educational Club is a pioneering initiative in the UAE, integrating educational, cultural, psychological, and social support services in a dedicated space. It aims to empower inmates through knowledge access, mental well-being support, and skills development, critical for rehabilitation and societal reintegration.
Central to the Club is a library with over 9,000 titles, managed by the international Koha Library Management System. This digital platform allows efficient cataloguing and real-time resource access, benefiting both inmates and staff.
The facility includes a training room equipped with laptops, workstations, and an interactive smart screen for virtual and in-person learning sessions. A private psychological consultation room offers confidential counselling, supporting inmates' mental health and personal growth.
Brigadier Abdullah Al Haimer highlighted the Club's transformative impact, emphasizing the creation of a space focused on dignity, self-improvement, and community values in rehabilitation.
The Club's design incorporates inviting reading areas, modern furnishings, and elements like greenery and natural light to enhance mental well-being. It operates through collaboration between facility staff and trained inmate volunteers, aligned with the Al Qasimi Foundation's team, promoting community-led rehabilitation.
Mohammed Omran remarked on the initiative's significance, reflecting Ras Al Khaimah's commitment to second chances, education, and the empowerment of individuals in a dignified environment.
The launch of the Social and Educational Club reinforces Ras Al Khaimah's dedication to humane correctional practices, human rights protection, and rehabilitation as a social responsibility. It sets a national example of integrating education, mental well-being, and institutional collaboration for meaningful change.
Dr. Natasha Ridge highlighted the initiative's educational value, stating that investing in community knowledge and well-being ensures a better future for all, benefiting society at large.