By Dyson Mthawanji
An American based Non-Governmental Organisation, Long Arm Charity, has empowered female inmates at Kachere Prison in Lilongwe by donating sewing materials.
The organisation on 23rd July, 2025 donated two sewing machines and clothing for tailoring training. The donation was a symbol of appreciation for the facilitiy’s rehabilitation and reformation initiatives which fall under Adult Learning and Education.
Empowering inmates through tailored skills training is crucial for their rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. By acquiring relevant skills, these women will gain confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose, ultimately reducing recidivism rates.
Group leader of the Long Arm Charity visiting team, Nellya Petrovna Canfield, emphasised the importance of utilising the resources effectively.
We have come to meet your needs through providing and empowering you with rehabilitation programme materials. Let us utilise the resources accordingly, for it will help address challenges of inadequate resources.
The prison’s Tailoring In-Charge Officer, Gaoler Mzideyi Chikhasu, expressed gratitude for the support.
We never saw it coming. This huge support and empowerment will help us achieve rehabilitation and reformation activities for inmates.
The NGO also promised to support one of the recently released inmates who was trained in tailoring, Sofia Jere, with a sewing machine as she begins a new life back in society. Kachere Women's Prison runs rehabilitation activities like hair dressing and tailoring, aimed at transforming inmates.
Vocational skills are becoming popular in Malawi prisons as it is proven that they help to reduce recidivism. A number of organisations are turning to prisons to offer various skills. For example, DVV International in collaboration with the Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance and Malawi Prison Service is offering tailoring, carpentry and barbering at Zomba Central Prison.