14 Apr 2026

A renewed hope for social harmony and offender rehabilitation took centre stage as Alpha Outreach and the Botswana Prison Service (BPS), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step toward strengthening reintegration efforts.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony in Gaborone recently, BPS Commissioner, Mr Anthony Mokento emphasised that social harmony remained a critical aspiration for any nation, describing it as a state in which people coexisted peacefully, resolved conflicts constructively and worked collectively toward common goals.

Mr Mokento said the MoU was expected to contribute to broader regional aspirations, with reference to supporting social harmony efforts beyond Botswana.

He further said the initiative reflected a shared commitment to building a more peaceful and cohesive society through rehabilitation, education and community engagement.

Commissioner Mokento reiterated that BPS was mandated not only to provide custodial care but also to equip inmates with the tools needed for successful reintegration into society.

He said through structured psychosocial programmes, inmates were encouraged to develop empathy, adopt new perspectives and avoid retaliatory behavior.

“These interventions aim to reshape attitudes and promote positive social interaction,” he said.

He said it was through such programmes that the Prison Service found alignment with Alpha Outreach, a registered trust focused on social development and community transformation.

“We cannot do it alone, partnerships provide the technical support we need and that support must translate into real, measurable outcomes,” Mr Mokento said.

Sharing similar sentiments, Alpha Botswana chairperson, Mr Vijaya Prasad underscored the importance of shared responsibility in rehabilitating offenders, highlighting the role of faith-based organisations in complementing government efforts.

Mr Prasad said the partnership reflected a broader understanding that criminal behaviour was often shaped by misdirection rather than deliberate harm, particularly during formative years.

He said the initiative sought to rebuild lives and restore dignity.

Mr Prasad said the MoU outlined a comprehensive framework focused on rehabilitation, spiritual empowerment and personal development.

Its key components included counselling, moral guidance and faith-based teachings aimed at encouraging personal transformation.

He added that vocational training and life skills development would also form part of the initiative to support reintegration.

“This agreement represents a shared commitment to rebuilding lives and nurturing a society grounded in peace, love and unity,” Mr Prasad said, further saying “it took a community to restore dignity and guide individuals toward a renewed path.”

Mr Prasad commended Botswana for its compassionate approach to rehabilitation and its continued support for faith-based initiatives, which have enabled sustained outreach within correctional facilities.

He added that the programme would extend beyond inmates to include families, recognising their crucial role in successful reintegration.

He said churches and other organisations were expected to be mobilised to create a broad support network for offenders transitioning back into society.

Mr Prasad said the agreement would serve as a guiding framework to ensure accountability and sustained cooperation between stakeholders, adding that once fully implemented, it was expected to strengthen efforts to transform former offenders into productive members of society.

“This is not just about correction, it is about transformation. Together, we can help individuals become assets to the communities they return to,” Mr Prasad said. ENDS