King Mohammed dedicates inmates vocational training center in Casablanca

Morocco's King Mohammed VI dedicated here on Thursday a vocational training center in Casablanca to promote the integration of inmates.

The project, carried out by the Mohammed V solidarity foundation and equipped by the Mohammed VI foundation for the re-integration of prisoners, necessitated 9 million Dirhams ($900,000) with operating costs estimated at 5.7 million Dirhams ($570,000). The two-floor center comprises specialized training workshops for woodwork, electricity, mechanics, handicraft, and music, three reading rooms and one for illiteracy.

Between 2002 an 2005, some 750 detainees, aged 16-20, will receive training in the center supervised by 64 educators.

The dedicating ceremony was attended by adviser to king Mohammed VI, Zoulikha Nasri, justice minister, Mohammed Bouzoubaa, secretary of state in charge of professional training, Said Oulbacha and members of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Detainees Reintegration.

King Mohammed VI also launched a pilot project of post-release re-integration with the assistance of psychologists and lawyers. He also visited a handicraft show by inmates of different rehab centers, and attended a music performance by the center's musicians.

Such projects will be generalized in the kingdom to benefit some 6,223 inmates. The cost of training in all Moroccan centers is estimated at 35 million Dirhams annually (around $3.5 Mln). The state earmarked 10 million dirhams (1 million dollars) to finance and manage them.