Khaberni - The Public Security Directorate and the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation signed an agreement on Tuesday, aimed at rehabilitating and developing libraries in reform and rehabilitation centers across various governorates of the Kingdom, in a qualitative step reflecting the integration of national efforts in supporting reform pathways and rebuilding human beings.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the foundation by its CEO Valentina Qassisieh, while Brigadier Nourz Hakouz, Assistant Director of Public Security for Judicial Affairs, signed on behalf of the Public Security Directorate.
This project stems from the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation's belief in the pivotal role of libraries in providing a comprehensive educational and cultural environment, contributing to the intellectual and knowledge empowerment of inmates, and enhancing their chances of rehabilitation and positive reintegration into society after their release.
The project aims to develop and rehabilitate (17) libraries within the reform and rehabilitation centers, as part of a three-year execution plan, including restoration works, interior redesign, provision of appropriate furniture, and equipping the libraries with recent and diverse publications, transforming them into active learning spaces and vital centers for cultural activities.
Brigadier Nourz Hakouz praised the strategic partnership with the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, affirming that this agreement represents a practical translation of the Public Security Directorate's vision in developing the reform and rehabilitation system, enhancing its programs according to a humane and institutional approach and embracing partnerships with all public and private state institutions.
He added that the Public Security Directorate places great importance on cultural and educational programs within reform centers, considering them a fundamental pillar in rebuilding behavior and enhancing positive values among inmates, noting that developing the libraries will contribute to providing a stimulating environment for learning and thinking, in line with achieving a comprehensive reformative approach and enhancing the chances of positive change and reintegration into society.
Valentina Qassisieh, the CEO of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, confirmed that the project embodies the foundation's vision that knowledge is an inherent right of every individual, pointing out that libraries are capable of making a deep impact in supporting rehabilitation and reform paths.
She noted that the first phase of the project will commence during the current year 2026, by rehabilitating five libraries, with the remaining libraries to be completed in the years 2027 and 2028.
She added that the foundation's previous experiences, especially in the Women's Reform and Rehabilitation Center, have proven the positive role of libraries in providing a stimulating educational environment, which enhances the inmates' chances of acquiring skills and building a more stable future after release.
It is worth mentioning that the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, the cultural and social arm of Arab Bank, operates through its three pillars "leadership thought, literature and arts, and innovation" to support cognitive and cultural creativity, and to enhance investment in human beings, contributing to the development of societies and building a sustainable knowledge economy in the Arab homeland.
