Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sharjah Police that will give inmates serving sentences in penal and correctional institutions around the emirate the opportunity to attend a series of educational workshops and inspirational lectures.

SMA, in coordination with Sharjah Police, will host sessions for prisoners to help expand their knowledge of the emirate's rich historical, artistic and archaeological traditions and to boost their education and knowledge.

The workshops will be carefully designed to help with the rehabilitation of inmates and to give them the best start to life once they have completed their sentences.

The new MoU is part of the ongoing 'Because We Care' initiative that aims to share knowledge of Sharjah's history, culture and artistic heritage with every member of society, including prisoners.

Sharjah Police's participation in the 'Because We Care' initiative is part of its commitment to helping prisoners serving sentences in its penal and correctional institutions to better themselves and lead a more productive and successful life after their release, which will benefit them, their families and society as a whole.

The strategic agreement was signed by H.E. Manal Ataya, Director General of SMA, and Brigadier Abdullah Mubarak Bin Amer, Deputy Commander of Sharjah Police, in the Emirates Martyrs Hall at the headquarters of Sharjah Police.

Also in attendance were Brigadier Ahmed Abdulaziz Shahil, Director of Penal and Correctional Institutions, and Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Meer, Deputy Director of Media and Public Relations Department, along with a number of senior officers from Sharjah Police.

Brigadier Bin Amer praised SMA's role in helping to preserve the emirate's heritage and encourage an appreciation of culture, art and history among citizens and residents in order to enhance Sharjah's historical, artistic and cultural identity both locally and internationally.

The new MoU also provides prisoners' families with the opportunity to take part in museum tours and other activities organized by SMA. In addition, SMA will provide a range of books and other publications related to Sharjah's heritage to libraries at penal and correctional institutions in the emirate.

Ms Ataya said: "This MoU signals the commitment of SMA and Sharjah Police to fully supporting, when possible, the complete and successful integration of inmates in the emirate's penal and correctional institutions.

"As a socially responsible program under the 'Because We Care' initiative of SMA, this new strategic agreement will empower inmates by providing them with experiences, knowledge and opportunities that will aid their rehabilitation and allow them to enjoy a more constructive future.

"SMA has a long and proud history of working closely with Sharjah Police on a wide range of projects and initiatives designed to help inmates and their families. This latest MoU will help to further strengthen this cooperation while its far-reaching benefits will be felt across the entire community."