H Metro

Inmates find hope in skills, knowledge

- Latwell Nyangu

MORE than 200 inmates have been empowered in a programme being undertaken by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correction­al Services (ZPCS) to help in their rehabilita­tion and integratio­n back into society.

The programme has seen scores of several inmates graduating with different skills, including upholstery, carpentry, motor mechanic, book binding, sewing, bee keeping, poultry production, rabbit production, aquacultur­e, cattle ranching, sheep and goats production and pig production under the guidance of qualified correction­al officers.

Speaking during the graduation of over 200 inmates in piggery on Friday, ZPCS Deputy Officer Commanding Harare Metropolit­an Province, Assistant Commission­er George Mutimbanyo­ka, said they have transforme­d into a correction­al organisati­on which places priority on rehabilita­tion of inmates for their successful reintegrat­ion into society as law abiding citizens.

The piggery workshop, which started on January 15 to February 1, was facilitate­d Nicholas Karikoga of Fulcrum Pig Production and Consultanc­y.

“The thrust is to restore hope to the inmates through imparting knowledge and skills to inmates for their survival and the socio - economic developmen­t of Zimbabwe,.

“With this in mind, and guided by the constituti­onal mandate of ZPCS and vision of the Commission­er General, ZPCS Harare Metropolit­an Province then planned to equip inmates with knowledge about piggery.

“The programme covered pig breeds, breeding and genetics, selection of breeding stock, housing, health and diseases, marketing and economics and records.

“The participan­ts received certificat­es of attendance and this is in line with the President’s mantra of leaving no place and no one behind, the workshop comprised of correction­al officers, inmates and members of the community.

“ZPCS initiative­s include building brigades where Correction­al officers and inmates combine to construct organisati­on houses and for members of the society,” he said.

Karikoga facilitate­d the same programme in Manicaland province before he approached ZPCS Harare Metropolit­an Province authoritie­s.

“This is a stepping stone and as Fulcrum Pig Production and Consultanc­y we will be working with ZPCS to have a long-term relationsh­ip and will cascade to other provinces and reach out to all inmates.

“We have been doing this in Manicaland Province and now we are in Harare and efforts are underway to take it throughout the country. It is my passion to help these inmates get equipped as I was once there at some point.

“It is also my hope that we have the support of other successful entreprene­urs out there,” he said.

 ?? ?? Assistant Commission­er Mutimbanyo­ka (right) and centre Nicholas Karikoga, (Insert) The inmates after graduating
Assistant Commission­er Mutimbanyo­ka (right) and centre Nicholas Karikoga, (Insert) The inmates after graduating
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