Tue, 22 Nov 2016 10:48:49 +0000
OVER 1,000 prisoners have successfully completed training in various fields of study following the introduction of TEVETA accredited course work in correctional facilities across the country.
In an interview with the Daily Nation, Zambia Correctional Service spokesperson Maggie Nawa disclosed that Government had introduced TEVETA accredited courses in prisons across the country and that 1,250 inmates had so far graduated.
Ms Nawa said that 1,020 inmates were currently enrolled in skills training and that 40 other inmates were pursuing academic courses.
She explained that the inmates were able to use their certificates to look for employment when out of prison because they were accredited by TEVETA.
Ms Nawa said that some of the ex-prisoners who had benefited from the programme had been able to find meaningful employment.
“We are currently offering inmates an opportunity to study right inside the correctional facilities as they serve their prison terms. So far 1,250 have successfully completed their training and 1,020 are currently enrolled; 40 other inmates are pursuing academic courses from Grade 8 to 12,” she said.
Ms Nawa said that the ZCS had well trained teachers who were involved in the training of inmates at correctional facilities throughout the country.
She pointed out that the inmates were being offered skills training course such as carpentry, plumbing and many other courses.
Ms Nawa revealed that most of the prisoners were applying to be enrolled into the programmes but that the service did not have the capacity to cater for all of them.
She said the organization was faced with challenges in terms of course materials and other requirements.
Ms Nawa has called on well-wishers to support the service in any way they could to ensure that the inmates were empowered while in prison.
She said that the skills training programme had been successful and that it had also helped many inmates to reform.
“The skills training programme has been a success and it has also helped many inmates in correctional facilities across the country to reform. We just call upon well-wishers to support the service in any way they could to ensure that the inmates are empowered while in prison,” said Ms Nawa.
