Four inmates of the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) form part of the 158 competitors taking part in the 3rd National Skills Competition currently underway at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre in Oshana Region.

The nbc News team caught up with Patrick Gariseb from the Windhoek Correctional Facility, who is participating in the Automotive Technology trade category. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to enhance his skills. Gariseb, who has been in prison for six years, is due to be released in a few months.

He says the skills he has gained will help him with his reintegration into society. Other inmates are competing in the Wall and Floor Tilling, Plumbing and Heating, and Bricklaying trade sections.

The head of Correctional Industries responsible for Workshop Production at the NCS says skill development has been an integral part of the correctional service. He said that many released inmates have been able to start their businesses as a result of the training.

Deputy Commissioner John Kambimbi further credited stakeholders that continue to play a major role in the training of inmates.

Singled out were the First Lady's office's incentive for inmates to start small businesses upon release, the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade, and SME Development's provision of startup kits, and the Namibia Training Authority's provision of training, among others.