Enhancing Rehabilitation Outcomes through Prison Staff Training and Development

CRS2025 Presentation by Caroline Acha, Pivaga Theophile Bani and Maisala Ernest (CRS2025-PID041)

Authors

Caroline Acha

Coordinator, Victim Offender Prison Care Support, Cameroon

Caroline Acha Nanyi is a seasoned development expert with 19 years of experience driving transformative initiatives in Cameroon. As the Coordinator and Director of Victim Offender Prison Care Support (VOPS) Cameroon, she champions rehabilitation and reintegration programs for inmates, leveraging her expertise to advocate for prison reform and improve rehabilitation outcomes.
Under her leadership, VOPS Cameroon has made significant strides in enhancing rehabilitation rates, with a notable 30% improvement. Caroline organizes seminars on rehabilitation and reinsertion with prison staff and decongestion with members of the judiciary chain, fostering collaboration and driving systemic change. Her expertise spans prison education, rehabilitation, and community reintegration, informed by her academic background in Education (University of Buea) and certifications in Leadership (Marywood University) and Human Resource Training (Pan African Institute of Development).

Pivaga Theophile Bani

Prison Superintendent , Victim Offender Prison Care Support (VOPS)/Ministry of Justice, Cameroon

Pivaga Theophile Bani has been a driving force for positive change in Cameroon's prison system, particularly in his role as Superintendent in charge of Foumbot Secondary Prison, since February 2024. His collaborative approach has led to the successful implementation of rehabilitation programs by Victim Offender Prison Care Support (VOPS) within the prison. This partnership has contributed significantly to the prison's impressive track record, boasting zero deaths and no recidivism during his tenure.
Prior to his current position, Bani served as the head of the Prison Records Office 2018 to 2024 at Douala Central Prison New-Bell, the largest prison in Cameroon. Here, he worked closely with VOPS to support their reinsertion programs and actively combated recidivism. By ensuring inmates' documents were updated, he prevented unnecessary extensions of their prison stays.

Ernest Maisala

Judicial Assistance , Victim Offender Prison Care Support (VOPS)/ Ministry of Justice, Cameroon

Maisala Ernest, a remarkable individual who has transformed his life's challenges into a beacon of hope for others. Born in 1976 in Cameroon's Extreme Nord region, has navigated a path marked by resilience, determination, and a passion for rehabilitation.
Maisala attended a government secondary school in Yagoua before moving to Douala, where he worked as a laborer and later in a manufacturing company. However, in 2002, his life took a dramatic turn when he was incarcerated for five years in the country’s largest prison, Douala Central Prison New-bell. During this time, he collaborated with Victim Offender Prison Care Support (VOPS), acquiring valuable skills in crafting bags and other beaded items. He also played a crucial role in educating fellow detainees about health issues, including tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

After his release in 2007, Maisala joined VOPS' rehabilitation center for ex-inmates, where he learned his bread and pastry bakery skills. He then pursued a career as a Judicial Assistant, working closely with VOPS to facilitate prisoners' cases, provide advice, and guide inmates in choosing trade apprenticeships. Through his work, Maisala has successfully listened to over 1,000 inmates annually and secured approximately 500 court decisions, including cases involving lost files or abusive detention.

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