By Frederick Philander WINDHOEK Some people might lift their eyebrows because First National Bank as the biggest commercial entity in the country has decided to socially associate itself with an organization involved with former criminals. But the fact of the matter is that, “Everyone deserves a second chance in life. No one is perfect. Hence the fact that the FNB Foundation has decided to get involved with the rehabilitation program of CRIS, rehabilitating former prison inmates. This is indeed a worthy cause for which I take off my hat to the board of CRIS,” the Chief Executive Officer of FNB Holdings Ltd Vekuii Rukoro, said. He was handing over a cheque of N$70 000 to the organization in Khomasdal . A number of ex-criminals studying at CRIS and invited guests attended the occasion at the RÃÆ’Æ‘Æ‘ÃÆ”šÃ‚¶ssing Foundation Education Center. “These former criminals are young people who have the potential of becoming tomorrow’s leaders. They shouldn’t be ashamed of their past lives, but stay on the right track to improve their lives through the acquiring of skills offered by CRIS. “Keep in mind that many of the country’s present leaders had also been incarcerated for other reasons, but today they are running the country,” said Rukoro, who encouraged other banks and financial institutions to support the efforts of CRIS. He applauded the work CRIS is doing to turn around the lives of many former criminals for them to become useful citizens. “I am highly impressed with this social upliftment programme … which boasts an enrolment of more than 4 000 country wide. CRIS’s activities should be fully supported by the Namibian Government and not only by the business community,” Rukoro urged.