Botswana: Theatre for a Change, a welfare organization in Malawi launched sensitization and psychosocial support groups. The event was organized at Maula and Kachere prisons and forms a part of the three-year project.
The organization wants to work on improving the mental and physical health of prisoners, focussing on mental health. The initiative is being supported by the European Union (EU) and seeks to address the challenges faced by prisoners.
Thandiwe Mbene, Social and Protection Manager for Theatre for a Change, talked about the importance of the project. He believes that the collaboration with Malawi Prison Services will help to improve inmates’ living conditions.
The partnership of these organizations will focus specifically on mental health and HIV management in the district. The members of the prison Service have shared their appreciation for the dedication of the organization.
She announced that the organizations will be focusing on the new prisoners of the community, These people are known to often experience stress and lose hope upon arrival. This situation can lead to the abandonment of crucial medical treatments like ARVs.
The organization wants to gather the mental health support for the people in the prison. The officials have shared that they want to empower the people to make efforts to advocate for their wellbeing.
Inspector Edward Msowoya attended the launch event for the sensitization and psychosocial support groups. The official also delivered a brief address on behalf of the Officer in Charge for Maula Prison.
The officer in charge also serves as a Clinical Officer at the Prison Clinic in the targeted areas appreciated the programme
The people of the community have shared that it is important for the inmates serving short sentences to have mental health support. The officials have shared that the programme will help these inmates get access to support that they need.
The officials have shared that many times, the inmates believe that the prison sentences will be like the ends of their life. He believes that the programme will change that mindset and support the people after their sentences.