WILLEMSTAD – Staff members of the Curaçao Detention and Correction Center (SDKK) and the Curaçao Youth Judicial Institute (JJIC) have successfully completed the first phase of an international Peace Education pilot program developed by The Prem Rawat Foundation.
The program, which is already implemented in more than 80 countries worldwide, was recently introduced to employees of both institutions as part of efforts to further professionalize the correctional system, stimulate personal development and create a more positive detention culture within Curaçao’s correctional institutions.
According to the organizations involved, the Peace Education Program focuses on themes such as inner peace, responsibility, communication, emotional management and personal growth. Participants are encouraged to develop greater self-awareness and improve interpersonal communication skills.
The program has reportedly shown positive results in several countries, particularly in behavior, communication among participants and personal motivation.
As part of the pilot project, a group of SDKK and JJIC employees completed facilitator training, allowing them to begin implementing the program inside the institutions themselves.
The newly trained facilitators have already completed the Peace Education Program with approximately 21 inmates at the prison, including seven detainees who are in the final phase of their sentences.
The initiative marks the first implementation of the program inside Curaçao’s prison system and includes staff members from multiple disciplines within SDKK and JJIC, including correctional officers, security personnel, social workers, activity coordinators, human resources staff and youth detention employees.
The organizations stated that the program will continue to expand in the coming months to include more detainees and young offenders within both institutions.
Officials describe the initiative as an important step toward rehabilitation, personal development and strengthening the professional environment within Curaçao’s justice and correctional system.