RUNDU – The Elizabeth Nepembe Correctional Facility in the Kavango East region last week recognised inmate Sam Robson Laboni for his exceptional performance in the Namibian College of Open Learning (Namcol) grade 10 external examinations of 2019.
The media, based in Rundu, were on Thursday given a chance by the correctional facility to interview 30-year-old Laboni about accomplishing this feat regardless of his incarceration.
Senior superintendent for education Phillemon Rengi informed the media during interviews held at the correctional facility’s library that Laboni obtained three A symbols and two Cs, which is why Namcol awarded him for the outstanding performance.
Namcol rewarded Laboni with N$5 000 in cash and a Samsung Galaxy tablet worth N$5 000.
Laboni found his life turned upside down when he was sentenced to 12 years for rape at Rundu.
Before prison, Laboni, who originates from Ongwediva, failed grade 10 and ended up on the streets of Rundu until he was involved in the rape criminal case in 2011.
On the streets, he was also involved in activities of theft.
In prison, he resolved to improve his marks through Namcol and is now the second inmate the correctional facility has produced since 2008 to progress well in their studies.
According to Laboni, a phone call from his childhood friend, who is now studying architecture at a South African university, motivated him to pick up his books and start reading, as he felt he had left them behind.
“My friend told me there was a reason I was in prison and that I, therefore, had to make use of the time in here to study. The only thing that can help me out, my friend said, was education. I never looked back since,” he narrated.
Another motivation to complete his studies was his mother graduating at the age of 50.
Case management officer at the facility Kertu Kauma said the motivation to study came from Laboni himself; thus, the correctional facility ensured his needs were met – by registering him with Namcol. Meanwhile, Laboni said he feels good about his achievement and is currently enrolled for grade 12. “My passion is farming and my desire is to become a farmer when I am out of prison one day.” – Nampa