adminLisa Shirichena Herald Reporter
Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) has been commended for training inmates at the town’s prison to become business entrepreneurs in a bid to boost reintegration into society and reduce re-offending.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony for 25 inmates at Bindura Prison yesterday, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Chief Superintendent John Musinachirevo said the programme by the university was a useful rehabilitation tool for the prisoners.
“I want to pass my gratitude to the Bindura University of Science Education for a job well done,” he said. “It’s a first for the country and we want to expand the programme to keep it going.
“We have seen their (prisoners) lives changing through these courses.”
The group of prisoners was offered training on basic entrepreneurship and business development as part of the university’s community effort to equip inmates with skills and help them reintegrate into society upon their release.
Speaking at the same event, BUSE Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Wilson Parawira said it was important to empower prison inmates to help them keep out of trouble.
“The courses basically were for inmates not to regret much on having spent time in prison as they would come out of prison with some training on running a small business,” he said.
“We believe it is vital that people leaving prisons have an opportunity to earn an honest living to help reduce re-offending and integrate them back into society.”
Prof Parawira said the course targeted prison inmates who were about to be released from and had no educational qualifications.
The prisoners were trained on how to start a business, write business proposals, small business financing, bookkeeping, piggery, tree nursery and bee-keeping.
Inmates who graduated expressed their gratitude for receiving the life skills.
Online Reporter
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