Inmates at Shimo la Tewa Women’s Prison are participating in a unique rehabilitation program, gaining valuable skills and earning income while serving their sentences. The prison offers a diverse range of initiatives aimed at preparing inmates for successful reintegration into society upon their release.
Skills Training and Income Generation
The programs available to inmates include formal education, carpentry, baking, information and communication technology (ICT), welding, and entrepreneurial skills development.
- Product Creation: Following their training, the inmates produce a variety of goods, including cakes, clothing, and other items.
- These products are then sold to the local community and to other prisons within Mombasa County.
- Financial Benefits: A significant portion of the proceeds from these sales goes directly to the inmates.
- According to Senior Superintendent of Prisons Evelyn Kaliti, the officer-in-charge at Shimo la Tewa Women’s Prison, the inmates receive 50% of the income generated.
- The remaining 50% is reinvested into the business to cover operational costs.
Program Origins and Impact
The program, which began in May, has already shown promising results. Currently, 15 inmates are earning income through baking, while another 15 are involved in textiles and ICT-related activities.
- Building Self-Reliance: The primary objective of the program is to instill self-confidence and promote self-reliance among the inmates, enabling them to support themselves after their release.
- Financial Management: Upon qualifying for a program after a thorough vetting process, a special account is opened for each inmate.
- The inmate’s earnings are deposited into this account, giving them control over their finances.
- Upon release, the entire balance of the account is given to the inmate, providing them with a financial foundation for their new life.
- The central account used for managing the overall business operations of the prison workshop remains separate and is not accessible to individual inmates.
Real-World Impact and Empowerment
The impact of the program extends beyond the prison walls, positively affecting the lives of the inmates’ families.
- Supporting Families: Some inmates are now able to contribute to their children’s education, pay rent, and provide for their children’s healthcare needs, all while incarcerated.
- Boosting Confidence: This newfound ability to support their families has significantly boosted the inmates’ confidence and self-esteem.
- Reducing Recidivism: The ultimate goal is to reduce recidivism by equipping inmates with the skills and resources they need to lead productive lives after release.
Call for Societal Support and Acceptance
Kaliti emphasized the importance of societal acceptance and support for released inmates. She noted that the stigma they often face upon release can lead them back to prison, where they feel a sense of belonging and appreciation.
- Addressing Stigma: She urged the community to welcome former inmates back with open arms, recognizing that many were driven to crime by difficult circumstances.
- Individual Assessments: Upon arrival at the prison, authorities assess each inmate’s skills and experience to determine the most suitable program for them, ensuring they meet the necessary requirements.
Seeking Partnerships and Sustainable Solutions
Kaliti appealed to potential partners to support the initiative and provide resources for the inmates, enabling them to establish themselves after release.
- Showcasing Products: The prison showcased the inmates’ products at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants’ Africa Members Convention in Mombasa, seeking support from attendees.
- Gratitude to Leadership: Kaliti expressed gratitude to the prison leadership, including Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh, for their support of the rehabilitation programs.
- Focus on Rehabilitation: She emphasized the Kenya Prisons Service’s commitment to rehabilitation rather than punishment, highlighting that the majority of inmates are responsible individuals who were supporting their families before encountering legal issues.
The Need for Sustainable Energy
Kaliti also highlighted the high cost of electricity as a significant challenge in the production process.
- Seeking Green Solutions: She appealed for assistance in acquiring solar panels to reduce the prison’s reliance on traditional power sources and promote environmentally friendly practices.
- Welcoming Collaboration: She extended an invitation to any potential partners willing to contribute to the prison’s sustainability efforts.
Embracing Released Inmates
Kaliti urged family members, partners, and other stakeholders to embrace those released from prison, treating them with love and acceptance, and providing them with the support they need to rebuild their lives.
