A program launched by ZimWorX in partnership with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) on 12 June at four prisons in Harare is set to reduce petty crime by released inmates. Launched through its philanthropy arm, the51, and dubbed Fresh Start, the program will provide 60 inmates preparing for release with $10 bus fare and a starter kit containing toiletries and inspirational booklet every month.
Speaking shortly after his release from Harare Central Prison, Honest Nyauta, a beneficiary of the program, said Fresh Start is “a great initiative that should support as many people as possible.”
Nyauta couldn’t hide his joy upon receiving bus fare and a starter kit containing basic toiletries like soap, toothpaste, and deodorant. “To be honest,” said a beaming Nyauta, “I had no idea how I was going to get home. Without this intervention, I was going to go around begging people for money, I guess.”
Nyauta lives in Beatrice, which is 55 kilometres from Harare.
Lack of transport money can contribute to a cycle of reoffending among some released inmates. “Actually, a few inmates that were released three days ago are back inside,” said Tatenda Ndondo, another beneficiary of the Fresh Start program.
“What happens is that someone is released but they have no money to go home,” Ndondo explained. “They easily slip back into a life of crime by stealing to get bus fare. Some get caught and they are brought back to prison.”
A team from ZimWorX, led by Pastor Blessing Makwara, the head of philanthropy, launched the Fresh Start program through visits to Harare Central Prison and the Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison Complex, which contains a total of three prisons. During the visits, the team provided bus fare and starter kits to inmates being released that day. They also left cash and starter kits with prison authorities for inmates scheduled for release soon. The initiative seeks to provide dischargees with a dignity pack, a biblically inspired inspirational booklet and transport support to accompany them in their new journey of being reintegrated into the community. The idea is to support the most vulnerable of dischargees. It is about transforming lives while making a global impact.
