By Sgt Rhodrick Masina – Research and Gender Officer, Ntcheu Prison Station
The sun is harshly vibrating on the hardly supplied ballets and Angolan head dresses. It is just around 1:30 pm, but considering how hot the weather is, one may think we have been given a test of how October will be, yes, very hot, as never before. Business is trading normally at Ntcheu Prison Station.
The female section is well prepared to host the visitors from YONECO – Ntcheu District Office. Their coming is as a result of a cordial working relationship with the Station’s Gender Office. Finally, the ever smiling skilled female official from YONECO, Flora Malemia, is on our campus. Filled with mouthwatering skills, ready to drill the 16 female inmates.
In her presentation, she taught the inmates how they can take good care of themselves as women whilst in prison. This includes having their baths and regular general body cleaning, so that they should avoid contacting diseases that come about because of inadequate hygiene and poor sanitation.
She further reminded the inmates of the practical ways of making handmade sanitary pads which they already taught them during the last visit early this year. During the initial visit, YONECO supported the inmates with starter pack materials after a three-day training on production of sanitary pads.
After the fruitful presentation, the inmates thanked YONECO for its wavering support towards their welfare. The inmates further asked the institution to consider visiting again to re-train them on sanitary pad making and reusable face masks.
In his remarks, the Station Officer, Superintendent James Kafamtandala, appreciated the relationship between the two institutions. He further echoed the request to YONECO Office to consider offering more trainings, saying the station is benefitting a lot. The visiting officer assured the Station Officer that she will extend the request to her superiors
Sgt Rhodrick Masina – Research and Gender Officer, Ntcheu Prison Station
