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Daniel Chigunwe
Herald Correspondent
Mimi’s Empowerment Centre has partnered with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) to offer skills training programmes and support female prisoners with sanitary wear.
The programme equips inmates with valuable skills in preparation for their reintegration into society.
So far, the organisation has trained 60 inmates at Bindura Main Prison. It also donated four months’ supply of sanitary wear to female inmates.
Speaking on the sidelines of the programme, the organisation’s founder Miss Mercy Kamanura highlighted the need to empower inmates, foster self-sufficiency and unlock opportunities for rehabilitation.
“The skills training session at Bindura Main Prison was designed to teach inmates the production of various household products such as foam bath, petroleum jelly, liquid laundry soap, and bleach. This will benefit the inmates by providing them with essential skills,” she said.
“We discussed a business plan which involves getting sponsorship for raw materials so that the inmates can start supplying detergents to potential customers such as hospitals, schools, and corporates.
“We have some business partners on board, including Powerstash, Wealthbag logistics, CG Msipa Scholarship Trust and Shayne ‘n’ Dad Car hire. They are contributing towards assisting inmates in producing various products that will be sold under the ZPCS brand.”
Officer Commanding ZPCS for Mashonaland Central Province, Commissioner Charity Gezi said such empowerment programmes are good for inmates.
“Government’s Public Private Partnership policy has created opportunities for private entities to collaborate with the Government on various initiatives. These skills are essential not only during incarceration but also for life after prison,” said Commissioner Gezi.
Meanwhile, key partners committed to supporting skills training programmes for inmates.
“We are excited to see our support making a real difference. We have witnessed inmates gaining vital skills to produce various products,” said Wealthbag Logistics managing director, Mr William Chibanda.
“We believe in empowering communities and transforming lives. This partnership is a shining example of our commitment.”
Online Reporter