A lot goes on in the mind of convicts who are about to be sentenced in courts of law and, for the most part, anxiety triggers the thoughts. However, outcomes can be different on the day of one’s release from prison. As THOMAS KACHERE writes, some of the people that served custodial sentences in penitentiary institutions are doing just that; leaving their crime-ridden life behind and becoming productive citizens in communities
The smile that McLofen Chipatala, who was sentenced to seven years imprisonment after being convicted of defilement, flashes is worlds apart from the sombre mood that engulfed his entire being on sentencing day back then.
Chipatala, of Mavila Village in Chiradzulu District, could not have foretold that his days in prison would end up shaping him into a thriving community member he is today.
“During the time of my incarceration, I got the opportunity to acquire carpentry skills. It was the first time for me to acquire such skills and my life has changed tremendously,” he says.
Who can blame him? Today, he operates a carpentry shop at Mbulumbuzi Market.
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Using proceeds from the trade, the father of four fends for his family.
He is not the only one enjoying the fruits of skills acquired in prison.
When Mike Abdul, 38, of Makonola Village in Mangochi, was arrested for defilement in 2017 and remanded at Ntcheu Prison, he thought that all his dreams would come to naught.
When he was sent to Zomba Central Prison following his conviction, all he thought was that his fate was sealed.
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Abdul was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
“The truth is that there are many challenges that prisoners face. To begin with, the space within the cells is not enough due to overpopulation. Food is not enough. Water is a challenge and the diet is poor.
“These were the conditions I was subjected to until 2023, when I was lucky to be on the list of those that were pardoned by the President [Lazarus Chakwera],” he says.
He explains that, while in prison, he was given an opportunity to choose what to learn; from tailoring, carpentry, barbering, welding to bricklaying.
He opted for barbering.
Speaking at his barbershop, he indicates that he now supports his family and has left those bad days behind him.
“Of course, it is painful to be a prisoner but, because I acquired vocational skills while there, I take it as a blessing in disguise. Well-wishers helped me to construct the shop while others gave me the materials I am using. I am talking about a car battery and solar panel,” he points out.
Abdul appeals to other well-wishers to support him with more equipment so that he can take the next step in his life.
In Zomba, tales of prisoners turning their lives around are as common as Domasi fish.
Take, for instance, Jailosi Katuma of Makweza Village.
He was jailed for rape and felt the world crumbling around him
He was wrong.
“While behind bars, I acquired tailoring skills which I put to good use after serving a custodial term of six years. I am satisfied with the turn my life has taken,” Katuma stresses.
Such positive tales have elated Catholic University Adult Education Coordinator Merina Phiri, who says empowering people with skills gives them means of sustenance for life.
“These ex-prisoners have to be supported so that they can contribute fully to Malawi’s socio-economic development efforts,” Phiri says.
Centre for Human Rights Education Advice and Assistance (CHREAA) Programmes Manager Joyness Dziwani acknowledges that the programme, which they rolled out in 2021, has had a positive impact on those that have acquired requisite skills.
“If a person is out of prison and able to eke out a living, you know that chances are less that they can go back to what put them in incarceration.
“Instead, they can contribute to their own livelihoods and provide for their families and even communities,” Phiri indicates.
The programme is being supported by DVV International, whose communications officer Dyson Mthawanji is equally impressed with progress made.
“We have graduated almost 53 inmates and out of these, most of them have been reformed and have established businesses in their communities,” Mthawanji says.
According to the National Adult Literacy and Education Strategic Plan for 2022-27, the Government of Malawi acknowledges that adult literacy and non-formal education and skills development are a mechanism for promoting economic empowerment of the citizenry and contributing to the development of the country.
This is why Abdul prays that CHREAA and DVV international be supported financially so that the programme reaches out to many inmates.
