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Manicaland Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mutare Polytechnic for inmates to receive training in various subjects to equip them with skills to assist them after their release.

Speaking at a signing ceremony in Mutare last week, ZPCS Senior Officer Commanding Manicaland Didymus Chimvura said prisons had moved from an era where offenders were punished to a rehabilitative one where they also contribute towards the development of the nation.

“Our thrust is also motivated by the national narrative that highlights the need to promote development in every sector to achieve growth,” he said.

He hailed the signing of the MoU saying it will create opportunities for the inmates as well as the growth of ZPCS as an organisation.

“We know that organisations can grow through Private Public Partnerships (PPP). These partnerships can do wonders to empower communities. The success of this MoU will enhance operations of both organisations. ZPCS will stand to benefit in terms of modern innovative technology transfer,” he said.

In a speech read on her behalf, Mutare Poly principal Ms Poniso Watema said the institution has made tremendous strides in exposing students to hands-on approach in training.

“The institution is extensively involved in real life projects in keeping with the implementation of Government’s thrust of becoming a middle income economy by 2030. To achieve this, we have adopted the thrust to industrialise and modernise the country by conducting researches that are heritage based,” she said.

She said under the agreement, the partnership would facilitate staff, student and inmate educational development, experience sharing, research and innovation synergies as well as generate opportunities for viable projects in both institutions.

“It is my hope that what we have planned to do will mutually benefit our institutions with our students and inmates at the centre. They have to benefit from these training and cultural exchange programmes. It is during this period that we need to scout and identify talent in them,” said Ms Watama.