Blessing Nduku
The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Gweru chapter has demonstrated its commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society with a donation of poultry starter packs each to two ex-convicts as an effort to support their reintegration into society.
Carlton Moyo (20) from Lower Gweru, and Adjust Mpofu (20) from Ascot, were released from prison, received 50 chicks each and 4 bags each of feed as a startup kit under the Enhanced Entrepreneurship and Enterprise project being run by the organization.
The two also underwent a mentorship programme which focused on financial discipline and spiritual growth, led by Superintendent Thandani Ndlovu.
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional (ZPCS) Midlands Officer Commanding Commissioner Somemore Gate commended YMCA for its support and aligning their effort to one of ZPCS’s reintegration mandates.
“Our focus now as Whawha Young Offenders Prison is to equip inmates with life skills such as farming, which is essential for sustainable reintegration. We would like to thank the YMCA for this noble act, which is one of our mandates to assist these young offenders’ rehabilitation and educate them.”
Gate urged the young men to reinvest any profits into the project, avoid misusing funds, and better their lives.
“I believe these young men are no longer who they were when they came to us.
They have changed for the better. Success stories like theirs, and others, such as Knowledge Kurenje, who recently won the Ministry of Tourism’s national gastronomy competition, are proof that rehabilitation works.”
Moyo expressed his gratitude to the YMCA for giving him another chance to make money for himself for the better.
“We are transformed through the rehabilitation services we got from Whawha. We now understand what we need to do with our lives, all thanks to the YMCA for this business opportunity, and we promise them not to disappoint them in any way.”
Tafadzwa Makore, YMCA Gweru Branch Coordinator, said the organisation is committed to empowering youth across all age groups spiritually, mentally, and physically. Our goal is to make young former inmates independent and self-sustainable. Reintegration is our top priority, and we are leaving no one behind.
YMCA Gweru’s donation is a significant step towards supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of former inmates and serves as a model for other organizations to follow.
