Staff at the Ministry of National Development Planning have donated assorted sanitary products, foodstuffs and other essentials to female prisoners and their children at Lusaka Central Correctional facility.
This is part of the commemoration of Zambia’s 54th Independence anniversary.
Ministry of National Development Planning Permanent Secretary (Development Planning and Administration) Chola Chabala encouraged the prisoners to be of good behavior, to cherish and promote the peace and love the country has continued to enjoy in its 54 years of independence.
Mr Chabala expressed optimism that the donation would go a long way in responding to some of the daily needs of the female prisoners and their children.
He said the sanitary materials and other donated stuff will benefit at least 179 female prisoners and 29 children. The children live with their mothers in the correctional facility.
Mr Chabala encouraged the prisoners to acquire skills that will help them be self-sustainable and contribute to national development when they leave prison.
“I lead members of staff to this facility in donating various assorted items as part of our Independence Day celebrations,” Mr Chabala said. “As the Ministry we believe that in making this humble donation and visiting you today, we are responding to the Matthew 25:36 and I quote ‘I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick, and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me’.”
He said this in a message read on his behalf by Director of Human Resources and Administration Mr Ignatius Daka during the donation.
This year’s Independence is being commemorated under the theme: “Celebrating a shared future of unity, development and prosperity”.
This was contained in a statement issued byMinistry of National Development and Planning Spokesperson Mr Chibaula D. Silwamba.
