Chandaria Foundation and Mabati Rolling Mills have commissioned the construction of Sh8 million Workshop Training Unit at Lang’ata Women’s Prison.
It will support the prison’s newly established Entrepreneurship and Vocational Training that is set to equip the inmates with skills that they can rely on once released. The main training offered is in baking and tailoring.
The unit will be made from MRM’s Superior Safbuild Technology, an integrated pre-engineered Steel Building Solutions that cuts the overall site construction time by up to 50 per cent. It is expected to be complete by February 2022.
“We are pleased to be part of this event today. This is a very noble cause, that not only seeks to support and train the women but gives them a head start so that even when they are reformed and released, they can be able to start a life of their own,” Business Head Safal Business Systems, Samwel Muhingo said.
He added that they believe that the skills they will gain from here will open new opportunities and the benefits will transcend their immediate families
The construction of the workshop set to be completed in the next 15 weeks, will cater for the rising training needs in the prison allowing more women to take up the trainings offered.
The units will be constructed from the Safal Pre-Engineered Steel Building Structures and equipped ready to use.
It will have among many others; stainless steel storage cabinets, tailoring machines to make hygiene products, reusable sanitary pads and facemasks, baking ovens and cake mixers, kitchen and tailoring fittings, water tanks, extractor hood in the kitchen and other key accessories.
“Through this workshop, we are helping the Women acquire new skills that will further empower them to boost their potential to take up new opportunities once back in the society,” MRM Business Head, Manish Mehra said.
Mehra added that the initiative together with other planned sustainability activities will strengthen the Prison’s capacity to enhance reintegration and equip the women with alternative skills.
Set to benefit about 43% of the women in prison, it will run like a profitable business making it self-sustaining and generate income for the women, which can take to start of a new life once they are released.
CBC Commissioner General of Prisons, Wycliffe Ogallo said that the donation is a boost to the prison’s efforts in securing the best for the inmates.