Online Reporter
Sekai Manyere
Herald Reporter
INMATES at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison have received drums, fruit trees, bathing towels and soap from charity organisation Another Chance and the Institute of Administration and Commerce in a gesture aimed at promoting rehabilitation and restoring hope.
Speaking at a recent handover ceremony, television personality and founder of Another Chance, Ms Vickie Maponga, said God’s presence reaches everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
“There is no place where God cannot reach, whether you are in prison or outside,” she said.
Ms Maponga said the fruit trees would serve as a lasting symbol of growth, renewal and faith.
“Let these trees be a sign of your life whenever you wake up in the morning and see them. Let these trees symbolise your life as you water them. Let them be a sign of God in your life. As these trees grow, build a good relationship with God,” she said.
Ms Maponga said that just as inmates would care for the trees, God was also able to nurture and transform their lives.
“If you can take care of these trees and nurture them, God can also nurture your lives,” she said.
Addressing issues of mental health and spirituality, Ms Maponga said difficult circumstances often provide an opportunity for people to experience God’s power and purpose.
“Sometimes I talk a lot about mental health, which is more important than many people realise. When you think God cannot rescue you from your situation, that is often when He shows you His power,” she said.
She emphasised that the visit was not intended to condone past mistakes but to remind inmates that their lives still have value and purpose.
“I am not here to support the wrong things that you have done, but to show you that, through our visit, God still has a purpose for your life,” she said.
Ms Maponga encouraged inmates not to lose hope despite their circumstances, saying God’s love and forgiveness remain available to all.
“People outside may find it difficult to forgive you, but God will always forgive you,” she said.
She encouraged inmates to focus on rebuilding their lives and strengthening their faith.
“We do not know what tomorrow holds; only God knows the future.
“I am not here because of the paper bags, but to encourage you to have a good relationship with God. Seek God first with all your heart and allow Him to take control of your life,” she said.
Quoting Isaiah 43:19, “Look, I am doing a new thing”, Ms Maponga said change begins when individuals transform themselves from within.
“Sometimes new things come after an individual changes the person within,” she said.
“Do not lose hope because you are behind bars. There is a reason why you are still here. God is still writing your story. Never lose hope.”
IAC marketing and public relations manager Mr Samson Nhubu urged inmates to embrace education and personal development as tools for rebuilding their lives.
“You may be in jail, but the jail should not be in you. It is important that, while we are here, we prepare ourselves through learning. That is why we are here. If you need any assistance, we are here to help you as the Institute of Administration and Commerce,” he said. He encouraged inmates to support one another in pursuing educational opportunities.
“Let us help each other through education. We are not here to stay forever, so while we are here, let us prepare ourselves for life after release,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the inmates, Mr Dzingirai Chinyamujiko expressed appreciation for the donations and words of encouragement.
“We are grateful for the visit and the donations that have been brought to us,” he said.
“It is comforting to know that there are people who still remember us regardless of the crimes we committed, because only a few people do that.”
