Access center of the Syrian Virtual University opens at the central prison in Lattakia

Lattakia – Minister of Interior, Major General Muhammad al-Rahmoun, and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Bassam Ibrahim on Saturday inaugurated the Access Center of the Syrian Virtual University at the Central Prison in Lattakia.

The center, which contains 30 computers, provides the inmates to continue their study and hoped-for academic education.

The Interior Minister said in a statement to reporters that the center is the second step after opening the first center in the Central Prison in Damascus which has been proved to be a success, pointing out that the ministry has a plan to open more centers in different provinces.

“The ministry aims at turning the prisons into rehabilitation and correction centers,” Rahmoun clarified.

For his part, Minister Ibrahim stressed the importance of such centers as they provide an opportunity for inmates to complete university and post-university scientific education, enable them to acquire scientific skills and integrate into society and ensure job opportunities for inmates when they enter the labor market after completing their scientific education and leaving the prison.

Rector of the Syrian Virtual University Khalil Ajami said that the next access centers will open in Homs and Aleppo, describing the step as very important because it will provide the inmates with the right to education and qualify them to join the labor market after their release from prison.

Nazil Mikdad Ismail, one of the inmates, who had completed his high school study, said that he will continue his education and study business administration through the center, stressing that the center helps prisoners benefit from their time in knowledge.

Hamda Mustafa