48 inmates in Chitipa get vocational skills

Technical, Entrepreneurial, Vocational Education and Training Authority (Teveta) board chairperson Don Whayo says inmates should acquire vocational skills to become economically independent when they leave prison.

He said this on Tuesday at Chitipa Prison during the graduation of 48 inmates who underwent a six-month vocational training at the institution.

“This is the only way to reform someone condemned by the law. We plan to provide extra courses so that every inmate can learn something before they leave prison,” said Whayo.

Chitipa Prison in-charge Lupakisho Mukinga said the training will empower inmates to generate their own money, which will reduce crime in the district.

“The reduction of crime will ensure less number of people referred to the facility which has 218 inmates against the capacity of 104,” he said.

One of the graduates, Lusubilo Mwenitete, said he acquired tailoring skills.

“I will open a workshop after completing my sentence,” he said.

Since the launch of the initiative at the intuition last year, 76 inmates have graduated in various vocational skills.

Chitipa Prison, in conjunction with Teveta, offers bricklaying, tailoring, carpentry and joinery and hair dressing courses.

Teveta is planning to extend the training to other prisons in the country.