The Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mercy Dinha has hailed the launch of the Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Empowerment Foundation (PAREF) as a bold step towards restoring dignity, hope and opportunity for inmates and former prisoners.
Speaking during the launch and fundraising event of PAREF yesterday, Dinha said the new initiative comes at a critical time when Government is strengthening social protection systems aimed at ensuring that no one is left behind, including vulnerable individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration.
She said Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs) continue to play a key complementary role in supporting Government’s people-centred development agenda through programmes that empower disadvantaged communities and vulnerable groups.
“As the Ministry responsible for the administration and oversight of Private Voluntary Organisations in Zimbabwe, we welcome the establishment of PAREF and commend its vision of supporting rehabilitation and reintegration efforts for inmates, former inmates and vulnerable persons transitioning back into society,” said Dinha.
The Deputy Minister said rehabilitation should not end at correctional facilities, but must continue within communities through initiatives that provide psychosocial support, skills development, empowerment programmes and economic opportunities.
“Many former inmates face rejection, discrimination and economic hardship upon release, circumstances she said often expose them to repeated cycles of crime and poverty,” she noted.
Honourable Dinha said PAREF’s objectives resonate strongly with Government’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030, which seek to build an inclusive upper-middle-income society anchored on social justice, empowerment and equal opportunities.
“The work of PAREF aligns with Government’s broader development agenda through promoting hope, dignity, restoration and social inclusion for vulnerable members of society.
Rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives are essential in fostering safer communities and reducing recidivism, while also restoring productive citizenship among former offenders,” she added.
PAREF is expected to work closely with communities and institutions in advancing rehabilitation programmes designed to help former inmates rebuild their lives and successfully reintegrate into society.
Zimbabwe has in recent years intensified efforts to strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for inmates as part of social protection and community development initiatives aimed at reducing reoffending and promoting inclusive socio-economic empowerment.
