By HLUPEKILE NDHLOVU
ABOUT 40 inmates from Kitwe’s Kamfinsa Correctional Facility Integrated Intermediate Horticulture graduated from the Zambia Centre for Horticultural Training (ZCHT) in Chapula.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony on behalf of Copperbelt Permanent Secretary, Luanshya District Commissioner Oncemore Ngonomo thanked the Zambia Correctional Service and the management and staff of ZCHT for ensuring the forty graduates successfully completed their studies.
“All Zambians, including inmates need to contribute and take part in the development of this country through engagement in economic activities in key sectors.”Mr Ngonomo said.
He further commended all stakeholders who are promoting horticultural production and skills development amongst different groups within the community.
Mr Ngonomo said government is aware about the challenges faced by all agricultural training colleges in the country.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to finding lasting solutions to address the known bottlenecks at the ZCHT.
He encouraged graduates to pass on their newly acquired skills in horticulture, soil fertility management, utilisation of irrigation systems, entrepreneurship as well as post-harvest technologies and management to others who may not have the opportunity to undertake this training.
Mr Ngonomo said government remains committed to facilitating the integration of inmates in productive activities within our communities.
Copperbelt Province Regional Commanding Officer, Commander Chilombe said the Zambia Correctional Service has embarked on imparting practical skills training as one of the major tools in correctional and rehabilitation of inmate throughout correctional centres.
Mr Chilombe said the graduation of inmates in horticultural training will help empower inmates with necessary skills in crop management, post-harvest process and marketing.
He said the programme is also a vessel were inmates can form cooperatives and tap in some funds under CDF to grow their businesses and establish themselves well into society and be able to contribute effectively and efficiently to the growth of our country’s economy.
Mr Chilombe encouraged the graduates to work hard and use the qualification acquired in entrepreneurship to contribute positively and efficiently to the growth of the country’s economy.
And ZCHT Principal Gloria Chitalu said the institution has included inmates in its training programmes in line with government policy to transform the national economy in order to foster sustainability and job creation in the agricultural industry.
Ms Chitalu explained that there were 40 inmate graduates of which four are females and 36 are males.
She said the training of the 40 inmates was not easy due to a number of challenges that the institution faces.
However, the institution managed to successfully complete the training due to improved support by the government. –NAIS
