The Sunday News
Mthabisi Tshuma, Farming Correspondent
HWAHWA prison which is situated on the outskirts of Gweru, has adopted an enviable farming model of planting cabbages which the seedlings were donated by 4-H Zimbabwe Foundation with the project now providing supplementary feeding for the inmates.
The prison on Tuesday also got boost of Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) in form of infrared thermometers, sanitisers and face masks.
The donation comes as prisons have been a centre of attraction in terms of Covid-19 cases.
The organisations Founding Director Mr John Muchenje said, “In response to Covid-19 pandemic, we resolved to appropriately adapt in our programming and assist where we can in providing face mask, thermometers and sanitisers to juvenile inmates as a way of remembering them as the Youth as we celebrate International Youth Day.
“The main aim of the cabbages is food security at the prison and nurturing inmates for a life in Agricultural sector after serving the prescribed terms,” said Mr Muchenje.
4-H Zimbabwe Foundation programmes officer Ms Ruth Chomola said the donation of seedlings is part of their strategy of promoting sustainable development in agriculture.
“As part of our strategic objectives in promoting sustainable agriculture through empowerment of communities, 4-H Zimbabwe Foundation has been establishing community and school gardens in nurturing participants towards agriculture. This also seeks to teach on food security and nutrition that also tackles livelihoods.
“4-H Zimbabwe Foundation used to make donations of cabbages to Hwahwa but we realised that this is not sustainable and there is need to empower the inmates on skills that they can even replicate when they have served their term. So we provided the necessary inputs, they provided the labour land, water and thus more sustainable,” she said.
Ms Chomola urged the nation to support developmental projects at correctional services.
“People tend to shy away from inmates yet there is need to support them in rehabilitation through skills development. This will enable them to be able to fend for themselves and their families and desist from crime,” said Ms Chomola.
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