The Malawi Prison Service (MPS) says it plans to start visiting primary schools, secondary schools, and universities to educate students on restorative justice, reconciliation between offenders and victims, and peace-building skills.
Speaking on the initiative, Malawi Prison Service spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent Steve Charles Meke, said the program aims to help young people understand the importance of promoting peace in their communities.
Meke explained that the initiative comes in response to the country’s large youth population, noting that many young people are among those committing crimes and ending up in prison.
He said equipping youths with peace-building and conflict-resolution skills will help reduce crime, as many will learn peaceful ways of handling disagreements before they escalate.
According to Meke, the program is also expected to reduce the number of young people being imprisoned by teaching them how to avoid conflicts and make better decisions.
He added that the initiative could help the government save money currently spent on incarceration, allowing resources to be redirected toward development projects across the country.
“We want to take this message of peace to primary schools, secondary schools, and universities so that young people can learn how to promote peace among themselves,” said Meke.
Meke further noted that the program will support the reintegration of former prisoners into society by encouraging families and communities to accept and support them after their release.
He said increased community acceptance would help reduce repeat offending, as many former prisoners would have stronger support systems from their relatives and communities.
