The Sunday Mail
Religion Writer
Kentucky prison inmates expressed great joy last week when The Sunday Mail Religion handed over to them more than 500 books donated by the publication’s readers.
The donations followed the prisoners’ impassioned plea for reading material when Religion Writer Desire Ncube visited the prison a month ago. Christian and Muslim literature was sourced from individuals, corporates and churches. Inov8 book shop donated educational books, while the Seventh Day Adventist church handed over several copies of the Great Hope book.
The prisoners also received pens and writing books from Chief Nechombo.
Speaking during the hand-over ceremony at Kentucky Prison on Thursday, The Sunday Mail Assistant Editor Wendy Nyakurerwa said, “The Sunday Mail is a family paper and you are part of that big family, the united family of Zimbabwe and that is why we are here today. “The other part of our family is here hence this initiative.
“We heed your plea for reading material and published it in our paper. Fortunately several people and institutions positively responded and donated these books. We can never thank them enough.”
She urged inmates to use their time in prison to better their lives through reading and learning. “What brought you here is history and we need to look forward so that you come out of prison a better person,” she said.
Speaking at the same function, The Sunday Mail News Editor Morris Mkwate encouraged the inmates to remain firm in the Lord. Kentucky Prison Officer-in-Charge Mr Shadreck Mashaire thanked The Sunday Mail for the gesture. “These books are a treasure that will go a long way in educating the inmates. We encourage you to do more of this, even for other prisons.” He said they are planning to build structures to allow inmates to have secure places for various projects.
“Our projects will range from poultry, carpentry and sawing, among many others.”
Kentucky prison is a satellite prison for Harare Central Prison and it has the capacity to hold 200 inmates. Entertainment was provided by a choir while a drama group delivered a polished act that left the audience in stitches.
The choir needs some uniforms and is seeking a recording contract. Those who are willing to assist can contact The Sunday Mail Religion Writer Desire Ncube on mobile numbers +263 773 244 737 or +263 733 865 308
