By Zakaria Soohoyde - Reporter
Baidoa, 15 September 2026 Somalia's South West State has launched an education programme for prisoners at Baidoa Central Prison to give inmates access to learning and improve reintegration after release.
The programme was launched on Monday at a ceremony attended by South West State officials, including the ministers of education and justice, as well as senior custodial service commanders.
The initiative was introduced by Somali Custodial Service Commander Major General Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Haamud, who took the lead in bringing teachers to the prison, according to officials at the launch.
Ali Abdi Mohamed, commander of the Bay regional custodial service, said the programme would allow prisoners to continue their education while serving their sentences and help them return to society with improved skills.
Abdullahi Hassan Ali, commander of Baidoa Central Prison, said the initiative would provide inmates with an opportunity to use their time in custody to pursue education.
Mohamed Osman Haji Jiidow, Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education of Somalia’s South West State, said his ministry would provide classrooms, desks, books, blackboards and other learning materials for the programme.
The ministry would also monitor the progress of the students and their education, he said.
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Abdirahim Ibrahim Mohamed, South West State’s justice minister, described education for prisoners as an important part of justice reform and rehabilitation.
He said prisoners serving sentences of several years could use their time in custody to gain an education that could improve their prospects after release.
The launch comes amid broader efforts to expand rehabilitation programmes in Somalia’s prisons.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in 2025, 1,143 prisoners benefited from rehabilitation programmes, including education and vocational training. Of these, 889 received basic education and literacy training, while 254 gained vocational skills to support their reintegration into society.
UNDP has also supported rehabilitation activities in Baidoa, including education, vocational training and psychosocial support, as part of wider efforts to strengthen Somalia’s justice and corrections system.
Officials said the new education programme would help prisoners develop knowledge and skills while serving their sentences and better prepare them for life after release.