Wael Helmy was able to overcome the trauma of entering back into society after being imprisoned for 8 years on drug smuggling charges.

Helmy said, "I feared rejection from friends and family members after I was released from prison," and explains his concern by adding, "this was the most difficult stage in my life, especially because a majority of employers are reluctant to hire ex-convicts."

He spoke with AmmanNet about his experience in prison and after his release, explaining that during his sentence he was able to learn how to read and write, and after he became literate, he memorized parts of the Quran. Once he was released from prison, he was able to fulfill his dream career of working professionally in the shoe industry.

His fear of not having the opportunity to work because of his record was dashed when a shoe factory owner agreed to employ him despite knowing of his imprisonment.

The owner of the show factory, Abdul Ghani, explained to AmmanNet that it is not logical to judge people on their past circumstances and that everyone deserves the right to have job security and live a secure life.

He added that he was apprehensive about hiring him at first and continued to monitor Helmy for several months, however he proved that he was an honest and disciplined worker.

According to Abdul Ghani, Helmy was able to accomplish his dream and prove himself and his ability to work, despite suffering some harassment from his colleagues at work.

The Director of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation Center, Dr. Waddah Hmoud said, "The Directorate encourages the inmates in their education, rehabilitation, and training in order to enable them to earn a living after their release."

Hmoud explained, "The Public Security Directorate adopted a strategy throughout the past four years that focuses on academic programs and education as the most important reform within the system, starting with basic learning, continuing with secondary education, and ending with graduate studies. There will also be English and computer courses and well as rehabilitation and vocational training to occupy inmate's time. This will benefit them in the future as well as help them acquire employment after they are released."

"We aim to provide prisoners with a program called 'psychological preparation' which will help them accept the changes that have occurred in society and not be shocked by them. The program would involve three months of lectures and with the help of counselors and social psychologists, prisoners will be able to transition smoothly into the real world."