Educational programs launched at Nasiriyah central prison

NASIRIYAH — Three educational departments were inaugurated Saturday at Nasiriyah Central Prison, commonly known as Al-Hout Prison, as part of the Ministry of Justice’s plan to expand educational opportunities in correctional facilities. The initiative offers university-level courses in law, physical education, and English education, and the degrees earned by inmates will not indicate they were obtained during incarceration.

“Under the government’s reform program and directives from the Minister of Justice, the Ministry of Justice has started implementing educational and reformative initiatives to prepare inmates and reintegrate them into society as productive citizens,” said Burhan Mazher Al-Qaisi, Deputy Minister of Justice, speaking to 964media.

He explained that the initiative aligns with international human rights agreements and Iraq’s Inmate Rehabilitation Law No. 14 of 2018, which grants inmates the right to education. “It’s no secret that ignorance is a primary driver of crime. Therefore, the Department of Corrections has developed plans and programs focusing on three pillars: literacy, accelerated education, and now, higher education,” Al-Qaisi said.

Hussein Ahmed Baniya, Director of Nasiriyah Central Prison, elaborated on the program’s implementation: “50 scholarship seats have been allocated for inmates through Al-Ain University. This effort falls under the Rehabilitation Law, and we aim to develop educated inmates who can become tomorrow’s teachers.”

Baniya also called on universities in Dhi Qar and other governorates to contribute to this initiative. “We hope universities will take positive steps toward correctional institutions by offering scholarships to inmates, helping achieve the ultimate goal of turning these learners into future educators.” He emphasized, “The certificates awarded to inmates contain no indication that they were obtained inside the prison.”

Haider Abdul Amir, Assistant President of Al-Ain University, provided details about the program: “Al-Ain University has launched three academic departments at Nasiriyah Prison—law, physical education, and English education. The university is managing the academic aspects, supplying the necessary faculty, and collaborating with inmates holding advanced degrees to support the programs.” He added that 47 inmates have been enrolled in the program: eight in the law department, 21 in English education, and 18 in physical education.

One inmate expressed gratitude for the opportunity, telling 964media: “We thank the Ministry of Higher Education, Nasiriyah Central Prison, and Al-Ain University for their efforts. Today, my dream has become a reality. I was heartbroken about not completing my education, but now I have the chance to pursue my goals.”