Transforming Lives, One Step at a Time
By Ann Ndumia, Program Director at the Centre for Social Responsibility and Accountability (CESRA)
Our visit to Nakuru Women’s Prison was organized by Peace Ambassadors Kenya, Kabarak Chapter, in partnership with Peace Ambassadors Kenya, Egerton Chapter.
The visit to Nakuru Women’s Prison was a transformative experience that challenged our preconceived notions about prison life. Instead of a bleak and oppressive environment, we found a vibrant community dedicated to rehabilitation and personal growth.
The management team at Nakuru Women’s Prison has created a nurturing space that helps inmates become better individuals, ready to rejoin society as contributing members once their sentences are complete.
The prison boasts a well-equipped hospital with certified medical practitioners, dedicated teachers, and exceptionally friendly wardens who engage positively with the inmates. Our day at the prison was not just informative but deeply inspiring.
Empowering Programs for Inmates
The prison offers a variety of programs aimed at supporting inmates’ mental health, education, and skill development. These programs include:
1. Counseling Services: Certified counselors help inmates cope with stress related to confinement and separation from their families. The counseling extends to family, community, and church members, preparing them for the inmates’ reintegration through a comprehensive integration program.
2. Agricultural Projects: Inmates engage in hydroponic farming of green vegetables and greenhouse cultivation of tomatoes. These projects teach valuable agricultural skills that can be used after their release.
3. Livestock Rearing: Inmates learn to care for poultry and cows, providing them with practical knowledge in animal husbandry.
4. Educational Opportunities: Education is prioritized, with inmates having access to both basic and advanced courses. This includes advanced courses in Law, which empower inmates with knowledge about their rights and courtroom procedures. Additionally, children born in prison receive educational support.
5. Income Generating Projects: The prison runs several income-generating projects, the profits of which are used to support the children of inmates by purchasing school uniforms and to help inmates start their own businesses once they are released. This initiative ensures that inmates have a financial foothold as they transition back into society.
6. Vocational Training: Inmates acquire skills in hairdressing, tailoring, and farming, equipping them with practical abilities that can help them find employment post-incarceration.
7. Spiritual Support: Spiritual growth is encouraged, with facilities for both Muslim and Christian worship. Our visit coincided with a vibrant Saturday worship session, where many inmates expressed their faith and commitment to personal transformation.
Needs and Support
During our interaction with Rose, the head of the welfare department, we learned about the essential needs of the inmates. They require donations of sanitary towels, slippers, crocs, soap, pampers, crayons, tissues, and clothing for both inmates and their children. The prison also facilitates family visits, where inmates can share meals and make calls to their loved ones, fostering a sense of connection and support.
Supporting the Cause
For those interested in visiting or making donations, please contact the welfare department at 0713498250. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of these women and their children.
Interactive Mentorship Session
Our mentorship session was a dynamic exchange of ideas on mental health, anger management, personal empowerment, and building healthy relationships. I had the opportunity to lead a discussion on mental health strategies, emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset, self-love, and engaging in productive activities that promote personal growth.
Conclusion
Our visit to Nakuru Women’s Prison revealed a unique and hopeful perspective on prison life. The inmates, who proudly refer to themselves as “Nakuru Girls,” are committed to changing their ways and learning from their mistakes. They are determined to emerge as better, more useful members of society.
Groups involved in this transformative visit included Peace Ambassadors Integration Organization (PAMBIO), Peace Ambassadors Kenya (Egerton and Kabarak chapters), Center for Social Responsibility and Accountability (CESRA), Hope Foundation Movement, Israel Faith Children’s Home and Black Coffee Movement. Together, we witnessed and contributed to a powerful journey of change and rehabilitation.
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