By Lisa Lamya

Blantyre, June 3, Mana: Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance (CHREAA) has attributed economic independence of ex-prisoners to its Prison Education Project (PEP) being implemented at Zomba Maximum Prison.

Speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA) on the progress of the project, which equips inmates with vocational skills, CHREAA Executive Director Victor Mhango stated that this year’s cohort saw 47 prisoners graduating compared to the past two years when 23 and 25 prisoners graduated respectively.

“We are happy that the number of prisoners acquiring vocational skills has increased over the years; these skills are going to be useful throughout their lives. We usually follow them up after they are released and it is good to see them starting up their own businesses,” Mhango said.

Besides vocational skills and training, PEP has a mental health component for both prisoners and prison officers which, according to Mhango, also bears good results.

Sociologist, Dr Phillip Kapulula said vocational skills are crucial for inmates.

He commended CHREAA for implementing the project at Zomba Maximum Prison.

He, therefore, suggested that the programme should also explore to include a psychosocial aspect.

“Whilst there is funding for running the skills programme, why can’t we explore other dimensions of life that can also add value so that when people are out of prison they should change their behaviour,” Kaplula said.

He expressed hope that the psychosocial aspect, coupled with the acquired skills, can help them sustain a way of living.