As part of efforts to strengthen reform and rehabilitation principles and develop human capital, the Director-General of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing, Shaikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Khalifa and the President of the Royal University for Women, Professor Riyad Yousif Hamzah, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at providing educational programmes and specialised training courses for the directorate’s personnel and beneficiaries of alternative sentences.
On this occasion, the Director-General affirmed that this partnership aligns with the reform-oriented vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the directives of the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to advance the reform system in a way that ensures balance between maintaining security and promoting social rehabilitation.
He also highlighted the follow-up of His Excellency Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, and his keenness to implement the highest international standards in alternative sentencing and open prisons.
He added that the signing of the MoU marks a significant step toward empowering beneficiaries of alternative sentences. It offers them access to academic education and vocational training opportunities, facilitating their positive reintegration into society after completing their sentences. The programmes, he said, would also enhance the capabilities and skills of the directorate’s personnel in both administrative and rehabilitative fields.
For his part, the President of the Royal University for Women expressed his appreciation for the cooperation with the Interior Ministry. He stressed that the university seeks, through this partnership, to support national initiatives in rehabilitation, reform, and social reintegration as part of its social responsibility. He noted that the university would provide high-quality academic and training programmes to expand learning and development opportunities for beneficiaries.
The MoU includes the implementation of joint educational and training programmes that focus on personal and professional skills development, leadership, entrepreneurship, and other key fields, while also providing study opportunities in a supportive and motivating academic environment.
At the conclusion of the signing ceremony, the Director-General presented a commemorative shield to Professor Hamzah in recognition of the university’s efforts to support rehabilitation and educational programmes. He emphasised the importance of continued cooperation to further advance the success of the alternative sentencing project and embody the humanitarian justice principles adopted by the Kingdom of Bahrain.
