The Virginia correctional centre in the Bizzah Makhate Management Area hosted a Child Protection Week activity that was supported by the Department of Education; Department of Justice and Constitutional Development; Department of Health; the non-profit organisation (NPO) Engo Family Care; and the Bophelong Youth Development Programme.
This year’s initiative was held on 31 May in two phases, under the theme “Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children”.
The first phase was held at the centre, where parenting skills, conflicts with child guardians, organisations that support families when one parent is in prison, and issues that fathers face after incarceration were discussed. This was followed by the distribution of donations.
Julia Makhubo, a social worker in Virginia, explained that a Social Work Sewing Community Project began in 2020 to encourage male inmates who showed an interest in design and fashion.
“During the 2020/’21 financial year, officials at the correctional centre donated money for materials and old jeans, which were recycled and repurposed for offenders to sew ten dresses and 110 face masks, which were donated to children from disadvantaged families in Meloding, Virginia,” she said.
Thabiso Teyateya, an offender, encouraged other offenders to be fathers their children can be proud of.
“I was incarcerated in 2018, just three weeks after the birth of my daughter. It saddens me to see her grow without my supervision or protection,” he said.
Gerald Green, an ex-offender, stated that life after prison is challenging.
“Our children need us because they are also going through a lot and are unable to cope. I learned the importance and impact we have on our children when my son was suffering in school while I was in prison,” Green stated.
Mapheko Pheko, head of the correctional centre, together with the six inmates who participated in the sewing initiative, handed over twenty school uniform skirts to Karabo Ralane, an educator at the Boitekong Primary School. The offenders used a sewing machine and materials purchased by officials as part of their poverty alleviation programme.
They also handed out to posters with messages like “Stay in School, Say No to Drugs” and “Don’t Do Crime”.
Officials also delivered groceries to the Emmanuel Day Care Centre in Meloding. Makgauta Letsie launched the centre in February 2011, which is not government-funded.
