Harare — THE Zimbabwe Prison Services (ZPS) has embarked on rehabilitation projects for inmates in preparation for their life after prison.

Mrs Elizabeth Banda, ZPS public relations officer, said the aim was to help released prisoners earn income from their own ventures if they fail to get formal employment.

"These projects are meant to make prisoners specialise in certain areas that will help them after their release.

"With the knowledge acquired here, prisoners will not need to look for jobs as they would be self-employed," said Mrs Banda. Male inmates are trained in tailoring, carpentry, welding and motor mechanics.

At Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, female inmates are trained in mushroom growing, computer programming and tailoring.

Mrs Banda explained that the projects depended on the category of the prisoner and the type of crime committed. Hard-core criminals engage in indoor projects with close monitoring.

Agricultural projects are, however, for every inmate as it is the mainstay of the country's economy.

"We concentrate on agricultural projects because as ZPS, we support the agrarian reform programme and we look forward to produce hardworking farmers."

The ZPS also introduced a policy of hiring out prison labour. Farmers, for example, can arrange for prisoners to work on their farms.

Ten percent of the amount charged is kept for the prisoner to use after their release.