To be honest, I have very much appreciated the precepts of the Way to Happiness course, especially after the training and after having done so many exercises.

First of all, I have realized that happiness and joy are precious things and that, without survival, one can obtain neither happiness nor joy. I have also noticed that telling the truth, not abusing of alcohol, doing sports on a regular basis, brushing one’s teeth regularly, feeding oneself properly, are the pillars of a happy life for an individual, or for a family in general.

Thanks to this formidable course, I have also noticed that adultery, not taking care of oneself, not taking care of the environment, not keeping one’s word and not respecting other people’s religious beliefs, are things that in one way or another can destroy the survival of a society or a family.

Finally, this course, “The Way to Happiness”, has been, for me, a successful path which will make it easier for me to handle this harsh world, especially with regards to handling my family and more specifically my environment faultlessly.

Thank you.
J.D.D. H.

Muhanga – Inmates at Gitarama prison have vowed to be exemplary and obedient citizens after receiving training in criminal reform and rehabilitation.The inmates made the vow on Thursday after completing a one-month course on ‘The Way to Happiness” organised by Criminon International.

“The course has helped us to seek happiness, to see the value of life once more; to look at where we are coming from and what the future holds,” Absalom Gashema, one of the inmates, said while reciting a poem.

“With these clear lessons, I have chosen a path of peace and opportunity… a path that will put my life on track once again,” another inmate said.

At the function, 600 inmates who underwent the training were awarded certificates by the president of Criminon Africa, Kevin Jones.

Jones said: “The course was designed by L. Ron Hubbard, and specifically developed to eliminate factors which produce and breed criminal behaviour. It helps inmates to regain self respect, happiness and live a moral life.”

So far, a total of 900 inmates have received the training.

130 prison staff are also undergoing a similar course through correspondence and more courses will be provided in the future, according to Aline Testa, the Production Director of Criminon Africa.

Chantal Uwantege, the Gitarama prison director, lauded Criminon Rwanda for the training which she said has changed perspective of life amongst inmates. She urged the graduates to disseminate the skills to fellow inmates who did not attend the course.

by Daniel Sabiitt
Southern Province
21.12.2008

Rwanda’s first daily, The Newtimes, reports on the graduation of 600 inmates completing ‘The Way to Happiness’ course delivered by Criminon Rwanda

MUHANGA, 20 Dec 2008 — Inmates at Gitarama prison have vowed to be exemplary and obedient citizens after receiving training in criminal reform and rehabilitation. The inmates made the vow on Thursday after completing a one-month course on “the Way to Happiness” organised by the Criminon International.

“The course has helped us to seek happiness, to see the value of life once more; to look at where we are coming from and what the future holds,” Absalom Gashema, one of inmates said while reciting a poem.

“With these lessons, I have chosen a path of peace and opportunity…a path that will put my life on track once again,” another inmate said.

At the function, 600 inmates who underwent the training were awarded certificates by the president of Criminon Africa, Kevin Jones.

Jones said: “The course was designed by Ron L. Hubbard, and specifically developed to eliminate factors which produce and breed criminal behaviour. It helps inmates to regain self respect, happiness and live a moral life.” So far, a total of 900 inmates have received the training.

130 prisons staff are also undergoing a similar course through correspondence and more courses will be provided in the future, according to Aline Testa, the Production Director of Criminon Africa.

Chantal Uwantege, the Gitarama Prisons Director, lauded Criminon-Rwanda for the training which she said had changed perspective of life among inmates. She urged the graduates to disseminate the skills to fellow inmates who did not attend the course.

I have just studied The Way to Happiness course and I feel a change which is very good for my survival.

While I was imprisoned, I felt that my life became lamentable and my survival had ended. But, as from today, I feel good, as “The Way to Happiness” has revealed a way for me to go on living.

In fact, I have become a man who can operate within society on my own commitments. I have decided to live by the precepts found in this book because they bring me hope for my survival and I take it on me to influence the people around me by telling them about these precepts.

Joseph G.
22 November 2008
Central Prison of Gitarama

‘The Way to Happiness’ course gave a meaning again to my life, and showed me a way to be happy.

I understand what happiness really is, what its fundaments are. The course has given me, in a clear and understandable way, precise examples of how happiness can be achieved.

The examples that I found have comforted me. They have allowed me to understand that “being in prison” is not the end, it is a phase in my life. Wherever we are, we can work at our own happiness and for the happiness of the ones that surround us.

I have started in that direction. I am going to continue applying and experiencing the various precepts and virtues which I have just learnt.

Thank you.

Augustin K.
Central Prison of Gitarama
22 September 2008