By Davida Spaine-Solomon
Freetown, 2nd August, 2026 – The Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS) is working to deepen partnerships with universities and other educational institutions to expand access to formal education for persons in custody, as part of efforts to strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration.
Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, Joseph J. Senessie, disclosed this on Tuesday, 1st September, 2026, during the Government of Sierra Leone’s Weekly Press Conference held at the Miatta Civic Centre, Youyi Building, Freetown.
The press conference, hosted by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, focused on the theme: “Fire Force, Correctional Service and the Police: What Is Being Done to Improve Citizens’ Experiences?”
Director General, SLCS, Joseph J. Senessie said discussions are ongoing with institutions, including the University of Sierra Leone and the University of Makeni on how persons in custody could access formal education and programmes leading to recognised certificates and qualifications.
Discussing the initiative, he said it forms part of the Service’s broader shift from a traditional prison system towards a correctional model that prioritises custody, rehabilitation and reintegration.
According to Senessie, the transformation of the former prison system into a correctional service in 2014 marked a significant change in the approach to incarceration, with greater emphasis placed on addressing the factors that contribute to offending and preparing persons in custody for life after release.
He said education is particularly important for individuals who spend extended periods in custody, arguing that lengthy sentences should not prevent them from developing their abilities or acquiring qualifications that could improve their prospects after release.
The Director General said the Service is, therefore, exploring ways to make education a more structured component of rehabilitation, including creating opportunities for eligible persons in custody to pursue academic programmes while serving their sentences.
He stressed, however, that formal education must be complemented by practical and vocational skills.
Senessie said the Correctional Service wants persons leaving its facilities to have skills that can help them establish livelihoods, earn an income, support their families and contribute positively to their communities.
He said the combination of academic education and vocational training is intended to equip persons in custody with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to rebuild their lives and reduce the risk of returning to crime
Beyond education and skills development, Senessie highlighted the Service’s commitment to the welfare, human rights and humane treatment of persons in custody.
He said the Correctional Service continues to engage human rights organisations, prison monitoring groups and advocates as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and oversight within correctional facilities.
Senessie also identified access to justice, overcrowding and information management as areas requiring continued attention. He said the Service is exploring the use of modern technology, including electronic information management systems and artificial intelligence, to improve the organisation and accessibility of correctional records.
He added that a consultant would be engaged to support the development and improvement of these systems.
Senessie said the Service is also looking to learn from correctional practices in other countries, including Kenya, as it works towards building a modern system that balances public safety with rehabilitation and reintegration.
He maintained that the ultimate objective is to ensure that persons in custody have a genuine opportunity to return to society as productive, responsible and peaceful citizens.
Senessie said continued collaboration with universities, alongside vocational training, human rights protection, welfare and modern correctional management, would be critical to achieving that objective.
