Starting today school counsellors and welfare officers have begun a two-day training in restorative justice with a promise of implementation within the school system. The session opened at Guyana Police Force Training Centre in Georgetown.
Director of the Restorative Justice Centre, William Boston addressing the participants said the course is not a one-off activity and there are to be refresher and advanced courses to address knowledge and understanding gaps.
He pointed to a need for engagements with the authorities of the Ministry of Education to help with the infusion of the programme because into the formal system and building local capacity. To this end Boston said opportunity will be given for persons to become a trainer-of-trainers so that they can train others within the Ministry. Reportedly, there are only 11 certified restorative justice trainers in Guyana.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Adele Cole-Clarke, echoed Bascom’s sentiments noting the significant impact such training could have on people and society.
She posited that the implementation of the programme requires the full support of all key facets of society.
Cole-Clarke pointed out that restorative justice can help to create a more peaceful and harmonious society because it teaches individuals how to resolve conflicts in a constructive and non-violent manner.
Meanwhile, Senior Schools’ Welfare Officer, Cornella Leitch noted that practising the doctrine in schools would foster a shift away from corporal punishment. The senior officer recognised that while this is a default approach to discipline in many schools, it is essential that new techniques are implemented, as these would prove more efficient.
Restorative justice is an alternative approach to justice that seeks to repair harm in the aftermath of a crime by allowing offenders to reconcile with the victim and community. This process prioritises healing and accountability. It also aims to identify the origin of deviant behaviour and address it before they engage in the formal legal system.
Similar exercises were been held for the state apparatus, civil society organisations, and other entities.
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