Vocational training transforms prisoners

DAR ES SALAAM: A TOTAL of 201 prisoners from various correctional facilities across Tanzania have successfully completed technical skills training through the Prison Service’s Formalisation of Skills Outside the Formal Training System programme.

The programme is implemented by Tanzania Prisons Service (TPS) in partnership with the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA).

This was disclosed by Head of the Industrial Section at TPS, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Dr Uswege Mwakahesya, yesterday at the ongoing 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF).

Dr Mwakahesya said the graduates come from prisons in regions including Morogoro, Pwani, Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Kilimanjaro, Arusha and Manyara.

He added that the certificates awarded to the prisoners will help them gain recognition from various authorities and serve as important credentials when applying for tenders or jobs after completing their sentences.

“The primary role of prisons is rehabilitation, to change behaviour and equip inmates with skills they can use once they rejoin society. When prisoners enter the system, we do not focus on the crimes they committed but on how to rehabilitate them and teach skills that will help them avoid returning to prison,” Dr Mwakahesya said.

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He further said that the prisons are currently in the early stages of identifying other inmates in regions such as Tabora, Singida, Dodoma, Shinyanga, Mwanza, Mara and Kagera, whose names will be forwarded to VETA to start training programmes.

The skills taught in these prisons include carpentry, welding, tailoring and garment making, candle making, cooking, automobile mechanics and domestic electrical work. Dr Mwakahesya also said that efforts are underway to formalise additional trades currently taught in prisons but not yet recognised under the programme.

“We currently have many motorcycles, so we want to formalise motorcycle repair skills, as well as other trades like shoe making, refrigeration repair and brick making,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senior Prison Officer Jumanne Malima said that the common misconception that prisoners simply sit idle behind bars is false.

“That is a wrong perception. Prisoners are now being trained in various skills and produce different products. These skills help them even after serving their sentences because the skills stay with them for life,” he said.