Skills transfer from NMU students to inmates

GEORGE NEWS - Students from the Nelson Mandela University George Campus (NMU) will be teaching vegetable growing skills to inmates from the George Correctional Services after the launch of an initiative, the Agricultural Nutrition Project, by the university in conjunction with the Correctional Services Department (DCS).

This partnership between George Campus and the department is an initiative of NMU's Student Life and Development together with the Agricultural Society of the campus.

At the ribbon cutting ceremony, DCS area commissioner Ndileka Booi officially allocated land to the university to kick-start the garden that is aimed at alleviating poverty and teaching inmates skills that will aid them in their lives after release.

This garden, located inside the prison complex, will be managed by the Agricultural Society and Student Life and Development under the leadership of Dr Sefoko Ramoshaba, deputy director and Dr Ernest Dube, senior lecturer from the NMU's Agriculture Department.

It is envisaged that the garden will provide training on production of various nutritious vegetables to inmates and prison staff, as well as internship opportunities for NMU agriculture students. Produce from this garden will also be donated to the local community for the poverty alleviation efforts.

The area commissioner emphasised the importance of the partnership in achieving self-sufficiency and sustainability of the DCS.

“Offenders with a criminal record struggle to get employment and without skills for self-employment, many become repeat offenders. It is therefore important for the DCS to equip them with skills that can enable them to become self-reliant outside of the prison. Correctional facilities cannot achieve these goals alone. Our doors are open for collaborations and partnerships. We need partners in order to transform offenders into responsible citizens of the country," she said.

On behalf of NMU, Dube emphasised the need for the university to lead by practical examples in the local community.

"This partnership with the DCS allows the university to expand its community engagement efforts, as well as provide training for Mandela students who seek internship opportunities. As a university in service to society, it is important for us to respond to the immediate needs of these societies by offering our knowledge and skills."

Soil preparation for the garden started immediately and the planting of vegetables will begin in September.

NMU in service to society. Dr Ernest Dube (far right) representing George Campus Agricultural Society together with DCS area commissioner Ndileka Booi, Udesh Rampersad (DCS) and NMU officials at the ribbon cutting ceremony.