Nego Foundation chief executive officer Lewis Mkambala has announced plans to roll out a vocational skills training programme for inmates at Karonga Prison.
Speaking on Thursday when his foundation donated soap to inmates as part of their humanitarian support to correctional facilities, he said the initiative will focus on imparting hands-on vocational skills to enable inmates earn a living after serving their sentences.
Mkambala noted that rehabilitation through skills development is important for successful reintegration into society.
“The idea is to ensure that when prisoners are released, they do not go back to society empty-handed. We want them to have skills and a starter-pack to help them begin a new life,” he said.
Mkambala said the vocational training will be delivered with support from international volunteers who will share expertise in various courses.
Speaking on behalf of fellow inmates, Leonard Simfukwe thanked the foundation for the support, describing it as timely and helpful.
“Beyond basic necessities, prisoners are in dire need of vocational skills that can empower us economically after release. I would like to ask well-wishers and development partners to support such initiatives for the benefit of inmates,” he said.
Karonga Prison spokesperson Samson Chavunguma commended the foundation for the donation and the proposed vocational programme.
He said such initiatives complement government’s efforts to rehabilitate inmates and prepare them for productive lives after prison.
The prison is holding 100 inmates
