A total of 208 inmates from Mutare Remand Prison and Mutare Prison Farm have graduated after completing the Bible Foundation School programme facilitated by Christ Embassy Church.
The graduands comprised 132 inmates from Mutare Prison Farm and 76 from Mutare Remand Prison.
The graduation ceremony was officiated by Christ Embassy Zonal Pastor Dr Ruth Musarurwa, who was Guest of Honour, while Pastor Tom Marongwe represented the Manicaland Province Pastors Fellowship.
Mutare Prison Farm was represented by Chief Correctional Officer Mamboanesu Ishmael Makoni, while Chief Correctional Officer Desire Rufurwokuda represented Mutare Remand Prison.
Addressing the gathering, Manicaland Provincial Chaplain Chief Correctional Officer Zuva Mucherera thanked Christ Embassy Church and other stakeholders for supporting rehabilitation programmes.
“Rehabilitation is a collective responsibility in which the church, the community, and ZPCS should take part,” he said.
He said spiritual and moral programmes played a key role in reforming inmates and preparing them for reintegration into society.
Top student Taurai Goro, speaking on behalf of the graduands, thanked the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service for allowing church organisations to conduct programmes in prisons.
“I gave my life to Christ for the first time while in prison. This Bible Foundation School has given me a new life, new purpose, and hope for the future,” he said.
Dr Musarurwa urged the graduands to remain rooted in the Word and promote positive change in their communities after release.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates, praise, worship and prayers.
cc: ZPCS