NODE brings Christmas cheer to Anju Farm Prison inmates

A TOTAL of 143 inmates at Anju Farm Prison in Matabeleland North were treated to an early Christmas celebration yesterday, courtesy of the National Organisation for Development and Empowerment (Node).

The event brought joy, laughter and hope to the inmates, who enjoyed sumptuous meals, danced to music and mingled in a festive atmosphere. Node, a community-focused organisation committed to empowering underprivileged individuals and supporting entrepreneurial dreams, hosted the party to remind inmates that incarceration does not signify the end of the road.

Anju Farm Prison is a model of rehabilitation as it equips inmates with farming skills. These skills do not only instill discipline and self-reliance but also provide inmates with life-changing tools that help them to reintegrate into society upon release. The farm is providing food to prisons across Matabeleland North, Bulawayo and Matabeleland South provinces. Surplus produce is also sold at markets in Bulawayo thereby generating income to fund operations at the farm.

Yesterday, the inmates set aside their farming tools to revel in the holiday spirit.

Node Bulawayo provincial chairman, Mr Eddie Benson Muchenje, said the gesture was meant to show the inmates that society has not abandoned them.

“Our brothers are incarcerated but that does not mean that society has forgotten them. The work that the inmates do here is very impressive as they help feed other inmates in the Matabeleland region. We decided to show our appreciation of what they are doing by hosting a Christmas party for them,” he said.

Anju Farm Prison’s thriving agricultural projects include maize, butternut, beans, cabbage, tomatoes, carrots and sunflower. The sunflower is processed into cooking oil for inmates. The prison farm is also into cattle rearing and piggery.

“Node is working on a programme to assist inmates to start income generating projects when they leave prison using the skills they acquire here,” said Mr Muchenje.

Thabiso Moyo who is serving an 18-month sentence for theft, said he was spending his first Christmas behind bars.

“It’s not easy spending Christmas away from my family but Node’s kindness has shown us that being in prison doesn’t mean we’re forgotten. I’ve started a carpentry course and hope to use my new skills to stay away from crime when I’m released next year,” said Moyo.

Another inmate, Admire Chikuhwa, serving time for assault, expressed gratitude for the unexpected celebration.

“My family hasn’t visited me since I was sentenced earlier this year but strangers came here today to bring us joy. It almost brought me to tears,” he said.

Ward 9 Councillor, Gladys Mathuthu, commended Node for their compassion, especially during a season traditionally reserved for family and festivities.

“Inmates are already serving their punishment but that doesn’t mean they should be deprived of love and care. I urge other organisations to follow Node’s example and bring joy to those behind bars,” said Clr Mathuthu.