Training to become chefs gives inmates a recipe to change their lives

UNLIKE most other would-be chefs, Debbie Amanambu is completing her training in a kitchen of a different kind.

She was one of 24 Pollsmoor Prison inmates who received certificates awarded yesterday, at the end of a year’s chef training there.

A few weeks ago, Amanambu, 33, and her classmates baked bread for the first time. “I never knew how to do that before. I had the biggest loaf of bread in the class.”

That was the highlight of her training. “I’m really enjoying it.”

Amanambu hopes to continue the training until her release some time this year and then begin studying.

She has served six years for murder.

She hopes eventually to work in a hotel, possibly in the conference and event management sector, once she qualifies.

Furthering her education while serving time had helped her self-esteem.

“I feel more proud of myself, more positive,” said Amanambu, tears beginning to roll down her cheeks.

“I left school at a young age. I grew up in poverty. I’m looking forward to a more positive life for myself.”

The former Athlone resident said she hoped to be able to give back to the community and assist young people who were growing up in similar circumstances.

Classmate Ursula Lucas, 29, described the cooking classes as “fantastic”.

Pasta dishes were her favourite among the meals she had learnt to prepare.

“I couldn’t even cut an onion. Now I have all the knife skills,” she said as her 9-yearold son wrapped himself around her legs.

Of her son, who was visiting the prison for the certifi- cate awards ceremony, Lucas said: “He is my whole life.”

She has served 18 months for housebreaking and theft and expects to be released in six months.

Lucas is also completing tourism studies and hopes to become a tour guide.

Pollsmoor area commissioner Ntobeko Mketshane described the graduation, and others like it, as the “good story” of Correctional Services.

“We need to help ensure everyone entrusted to us can be reintegrated back into society.”

Because of overcrowding, resources at correctional centres were often stretched and the development of inmates was overlooked.

Partnerships with False Bay College and the Bosasa Youth Development Centres were making the development and reintegration of inmates possible, Mketshane said.