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Special tobacco production course for inmates

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ALL hope seemed lost for Langton Kuimba who after failing to attain the basic five Ordinary Level subjects resorted to crime.
In 2007 the long arm of the law caught up with him and he was convicted for stock theft.
To him this was the end of his life, what would become of him, and even after finishing his sentence, who would even want to employ an ex-convict without any qualification.
However, thanks to the rehabilitation programmes being implemented by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel, not only for Kuimba, but hundreds of other inmates.
In 2008, the ZPCS partnered with the Tobacco Research Board (TRB) to come up with a rehabilitation package that is aimed at equipping inmates with tobacco farming skills and knowledge.
To date, 164 inmates have graduated with a certificate in tobacco production.
Under the programme, male inmates drawn from various prisons volunteer to undergo the programme.
The inmates are transferred to Banket Prison which is near the TRB Banket Research Station.
The tobacco production cycle begins in June with the preparation of seedbeds; planting begins in September for the irrigated crop, harvesting commencing late December and the marketing running from February to August.
Under the training programme, the inmates undergo all the stages of tobacco production.
Last week it was all tears of joy for Kuimba as he joined 13 other inmates who graduated at Banket Prison after completing a one year course in tobacco production.
“For someone who did not have any qualification when I was incarcerated, this is a joyous moment for me,” said an elated Kuimba who emerged as the top student of the graduating group.
“With the skills I have acquired, I am sure that when I leave this place it will not be all doom.
“I will have a starting point and I promise to do something positive with my life.
“Under the rehabilitation programmes being implemented by the ZPCS, I am now a proud holder of four certificates in Peer Education, Tailoring, Bible Studying and Tobacco Production.”
Inmates who would have successfully undergone the programme are transferred to prison farms where tobacco is grown and their skills are put to use.
The ZPCS Deputy Commissioner-General, Moses Chihobvu said most people were reluctant to employ ex-inmates, but with skills in tobacco production among other skills, former inmates could start their own farming ventures.
“Gone were the days when prisons were viewed as gloomy institutions that facilitate incarcerated inmates for sole punishment and retribution,” he said.
“It is high time that society realises that prisons are correctional institutions meant for reforming the mindset of prisoners that when they go back to the society, they are changed persons who are positively minded and geared to work with the community for the betterment of thier lives and the nation at large.”
Deputy Comm-General Chihobvu said the graduates had been empowered with life-changing skills that many dreamt of before incarceration.
“Today you have come to realise that admission into prison does not signify the end of the world, but it can be a way of locating the keys to unlock the right direction to your unpredicted destiny,” he said.
Inmates, said Deputy Comm-General Chihobvu, once released should use their knowledge and skills for the good of the society.
“You would appreciate that tobacco production requires attentive people who are well equipped with right skills and knowledge,” he said.
“Some farmers in the tobacco industry are failing to realise maximum profits due to lack of knowledge that you now proudly possess.
“This means that you are no longer ordinary persons because you can now bring positive change in the tobacco industry.”
Currently, the tobacco production course is open for male inmates only.
However, Deputy Comm-General Chihobvu said efforts were being made to include female inmates.
“The facilities we have here are not suitable for female inmates to be housed here, but we are making efforts to improve the facilities so that women too can undergo this programme which is invaluable.” He said.
With tobacco production being the in thing in the agriculture circles, the future looks bright for Kuimba and his fellow graduates who are now armed with the skills that could turn their fortunes around.

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