Mamelodi and Eersterust schools embarked on an educational prison tour programme at Baviaanspoort Correctional Service on Tuesday.

The programme forms part of the crime awareness campaign aimed at educating learners about the consequences of narcissistic behaviour and its impact on individuals and society.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Daphney Maila said the prison tour was spearheaded by Mamelodi and Eersterust social crime units.

Maila said the programme focused on exposing learners to a correctional facility at Emthomjeni juvenile in the Baviaanspoort Prison.

Prison wardens welcomed and shared an orientation to the learners.

Maila said during the visit, learners were given a glimpse into the daily lives of inmates and the consequences of their actions.

“The programme also included interactive sessions and discussions on narcissistic personality disorder, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options,” said Maila.

This phase was conducted by four male offenders who are charged with murder, carjacking, and other contact crime.

The inmates told the learners what led them to a life of crime and explained that bad behaviour, such as bullying, assaulting one another and gang activity, will only lead to prison.

Maila said one of the offenders read a poem expressing his remorse and pleaded with the youth to respect the love of their parents while they still have that privilege.

The inmates further encouraged learners to respect their peers, teachers and most importantly, their parents.

“The learners were taught about empathy and understanding as well as the effects of their actions on others and understanding of their words before they speak,” she said.

Maila said most importantly, the learners were told to avoid peer pressure.

The programme was successful in achieving its objectives and promoting a positive impact on the learners.

She further said the Mamelodi and Eersterust police Social Crime Prevention Coordinators plan to continue conducting similar programmes.

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