Prisoners’ Rehabilitation Training Program in Reducing Recidivism

Abstract

The study to assess prisoners’ rehabilitation training program in reducing recidivism was conducted at Mbozi District Prison in Mbeya Region. The Region borders Malawi and Zambia and has several religious denominations. The study used a cross- sectional research design. Questionnaire, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data from 70 respondents who comprised of pre-trial detainees, prisoners and ex-prisoners. Information was further collected from key informants who included religious leaders, correctional officers and other officials of the prison. The study found that poverty, unemployment and failure to cope with life outside prison were the main reasons for prisoners’ recidivism. It was further found that prisoners are not given training that increases their skills for self-employment. Instead they mainly do farming and gardening activities and sometimes with poor tools. Lack of funds was singled out by the officials and correctional officers as the main reason for not providing them with training geared towards increasing their skills. The study concludes that although farming and gardening activities can make them sustain their lives while outside the prison, unreliable rainfall and lack of irrigation system discourage them from relying on it for their livelihood. It is recommended that ex-prisoners be made part of the society by encouraging them to participate in development activities that are carried out in the community. Local Government Authorities should utilize them in various activities that require labour for payment.