The Malawi Prison Service (MPS) has urged banks to offer financial literacy programs to inmates, supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
MPS’s Public Relations Officer Steve Meke emphasized that such lessons could equip offenders with skills for budgeting, saving, and planning for work or entrepreneurship.
Meke noted that financial education helps reduce stress-related criminal behavior and fosters independence, preparing inmates for life after release.
He highlighted that the transformation of prisoners requires a multidimensional approach, urging the corporate sector to play a more active role.
The call came during a visit by Centenary Bank to prisons in Lilongwe, Zomba, and Mzuzu, where the bank donated assorted items to inmates.
Meke described the initiative as a demonstration of commitment to the reformation and rehabilitation of offenders.
Linda Nkosi, Centenary Bank’s Marketing and Customer Experience Manager, said the initiative aligns with the bank’s commitment to social impact.
She explained that the festive season provided an opportunity to support vulnerable groups, including prison inmates.
Nkosi added that the bank plans to continue visits to Zomba Maximum Prison and Mzuzu Prison in the coming weeks, emphasizing that sharing and giving back to the community is part of Centenary Bank’s ethos.
She also praised the collaboration with the Malawi Prison Service, noting that the staff facilitated the visits and welcomed the bank’s efforts to engage with inmates.
“Our relationship with the Prison Service is very good, and we hope to continue supporting them in future initiatives,” Nkosi said.
