Mikuyu inmates learn business skills
Zomba-based Byounic Trust programmes manager Anita Tiggelaar says juveniles need to be equipped with various life skills to prepare them for life after prison.
Tiggelaar made the observation on Saturday at Mikuyu Juvenile Prison when her organisation launched this year’s rehabilitation civic education programme that includes counselling, vocational skills and entrepreneurship training as well as construction skills.
She said the programme targets toprepare for life boys who are about six months away from release.
“The future belongs to the youth and as a nation we need to invest in them,” she said.
Tiggelaar called on the communities to receive and accommodate the juveniles upon their release from prison by supporting their businesses, saying stigma will isolate and force them to turn back to crime.
Prison officer in-charge Susan Mande commended the trust for the skills programme saying it has eradicated the number of escapees.
“Most juveniles are busy exercising what they learnt in class like sewing, farming as well as carpentry, a development that transforms their minds from negative thinking to positive outlook. They will certainly be making their own money once they are released,” Mande said.
