Blantyre Synod embraces ex-inmates
Blantyre Synod introduced skills development programmes for ex-prisoners to start a new lease of life after serving their jail terms. JAMES CHIMPWEYA talked to the synod’s prison chaplain Reverend STANLEY CHIMESYA to find out more about the ex-prisoners’ rehabilitation programme.
Why did you introduce the ex-prisoners skills development programme and how is the programme progressing?
A lot is happening in the prisons spiritually and physically. Many inmates’ lives are changing as they are adapting to new spiritual interventions by giving themselves to God and abandoning their old and bad characters. Distribution of Bibles in prisons helps the prisoners to understand the word of God better. Bible studies and prayers are also happen in the cells.
As Blantyre Synod Prison Chaplaincy, we are doing a lot to ensure that the inmates get material support so that they live a happy life as they serve their sentences. Apart from these programmes, we have also introduced a life skills development programme which is going on well. This programme is aimed at making the ex-inmates self-reliant.
What type of training is being offered?
They are being trained in carpentry and joinery. They are also being trained in how to use small funds to manage a business so that when released they can be employed by organisations or even manage their own businesses. We have an expert who is equipping them with entrepreneurial skills.
What challenges does this programme face?
One of the challenges is that some of the ex-prisoners do not refund the capital given to them, but others are doing well. Those that have done well include a man and a woman who are doing their businesses in Tete, Mozambique.
Do you follow them up in their villages after they are released?
We have monitoring mechanisms to see if they are using the skills imparted to them. Indeed, we follow them up to ensure that they repay small loans they get from a revolving fund, so that their friends benefit as well when released.
Why is the programme targeting ex-inmates only?
Because it is difficult to train them while they are still serving their sentences. The training lasts six weeks.
Apart from the expert, who else is involved in drilling the ex-inmates?
Traditional and religious leaders are involved, too. After the training, they sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on how to repay interest-free loans they get.
What was the merit of introducing the programme?
The programme was introduced by the Synod Prison Chaplaincy to financially empower the ex-inmates so as to reduce crimes and the prison ukabwerebwere syndrome.
What is your assessment of the programme?
I could say we are achieving a lot. That includes crime reduction, ex-prisoners starting businesses, strengthened family relations and the beneficiaries’ spiritual growth.
Your last words on the programme?
As Blantyre Synod Prison Chaplaincy, we have done so much in improving the welfare of prisoners and ex-prisoners in the country by providing them with clothes, drugs, relish, beddings and toiletries.
