Zetech University has inked a deal with Partners For Care, an NGO aimed at promoting digital literacy in prisons across the country.
The programme is intended in imparting fundamental skills in ICT and will help in the rehabilitation process of inmates and enable them cope with technological trends once they complete their jail terms.
Zetech Vice Chancellor Njenga Munene who spoke after signing the MoU with PFC at the University’s Ruiru campus said that education and training is a fundamental right for all.
“Our brothers and sisters serving their jail terms should not be left behind because intellectual endeavour is not a preserve of the rich and the free but for all citizens," Munene said.
"ICT is vital in today’s world as industrialisation is taking course and therefore should be extended to correctional facilities. Our partnership will extend digital literacy training to correctional facilities.”
The VC said that Zetech is determined to be part of the rehabilitation process of inmates so as to prepare them for reintegration with the community once their jail terms comes to an end.
“Through this partnership we will explore other areas we can collaborate including rolling out progressive courses for prison staff and inmates,” he said.
Munene said that the two institutions share a rich past of collaborations where they jointly instituted research programmes and those aimed at assisting women, school children and the disabled in Tharaka Nithi.
“We have also been in mentorship and sponsorship programmes for our youth across the country to enable them chart their lives properly," Munene said.
"There are so many areas we have collaborated and promoting digital literacy in prisons we hope it will be successful. We will reach out to authorities to get the proper guidance and support.”
PFC executive director Sammy Wanjau said that well educated prisoners and remandees are easy to rehabilitate and reintegrate with the community.
“We believe that once the inmates are released after successful rehabilitation they will use the knowledge to better their lives and contribute to the country’s economic growth,” he said.
"We are upbeat that our partnership with Zetech will bear positive results."
(Edited by Francis Wadegu)
