Children serving their three-year term at a correctional facility in Kilifi County had a rare visit on Monday.
The spouse of the Deputy President Pastor Dorcas Rigathi visited the Shimo La Tewa Borstal Institution in Shanzu Ward, Kilifi County, carrying some gifts for the 204 boys who are 15 to 18 years old, and undergoing rehabilitation.
Computers, dignity kits that included boxers and personal effects, lab equipment, foodstuffs, and textbooks were some items donated at the facility by Pastor Dorcas and the partner, Close the Gap. The computers will go towards the establishment of a computer lab.
In fulfilment of her agenda of dignifying the lives of men and boys in the country, Pastor Dorcas visited the correctional facility that was established in 1965 to rehabilitate boys committed by the courts
She spoke to the boys in a motherly tone, encouraging them to concentrate on the formal and technical education they were gaining inside the prison walls, and in preparation for a transformed life after release.
“I love and value you. Many people might have called you demeaning names, but you can change.”
“The donated computers, textbooks and lab equipment are to facilitate your learning. I have also seen the presentations you have made in songs and skits. God has equipped you with great talents and skills. You are our future leaders, pilots and doctors, but you must change your mindset,” said Pastor Dorcas.
Most of the boys in the facility were condemned by the courts following cases of blasphemy, theft and other crimes. And Pastor Dorcas has made it her mission to ensure the boy child locked up in prison is not forgotten. She has in the past visited Kiambu Prison (Kiambu County), Chuka Prison (Tharaka Nithi County), Kendege Prison (Migori County), King’ong’o Prison (Nyeri County), and Rumuruti Prison (Laikipia County).
The Senior Superintendent of Prisons in charge of the Shimo La Tewa Borstal Institution, Jostina Mwang’ombe said the boys undergo three-year formal and vocational training after being committed by the court and are also examined by the National Training Authority (NITA).
She said the institution had a challenge with library materials, science laboratory reagents, dignity kits and computers.
“On behalf of the institution, I say thank you to Her Excellency and Close the Gap for the books, computers, reagents, microscope, food, and dignity kits they have given towards better learning of our boys,” said SSP Mwang’ombe.
The Founder and CEO of Close the Gap, Baron Olivier Vanden had partnered with the office of the spouse of the Deputy President (OSDP) because their values were aligned as they also work towards ‘enabling people to have dignified lives’.
“We are happy to partner with the OSDP, and Borstal Institution to ensure there are computers here at the prison, and training can be offered to the boys. This is a unique partnership that enables, empowers, and escalates for higher impact. I urge the boys to remain focused, even as they take their future in their own hands through skilling,” said Mr Vanden.
Area MCA Allan Katana encouraged the boys to change their lives, saying that he was also locked up 23 years ago, but had purposed to change his life and was now serving as Shanzu Ward, Member of the County Assembly (MCA).
“You have been taught many skills here at Borstal – plumbing, sewing, carpentry, recycling, shoemaking, mechanics, metalwork, electrical, and baking. Armed with these skills, will you change your ways or not?” he asked.
Also present were Regional Commander Prisons-Coast Nicholas Mwandau, Bishop Joseph Maisha, and Sheikh Ustadh Hassan among others.
“These joint efforts will mould the boy child to grow into a responsible heads of the family, and engage with activities that will help them now and in the future,” said Commander Mwandau.