Kabwe is the capital of Central Province in Zambia. In Kabwe is the oldest mine in the country where mainly lead and zinc were extracted. The mine has now been closed. The closure of the mine resulted in massive unemployment and forced young people into undesirable activities such as prostitution and crime. The main reasons why young people cannot find other work include lack of skills and entrepreneurship.

It is very difficult to get back to work after someone has served their sentence. Research showed that most ex-prisoners who had no profession or skills were re-arrested within 6 months of their release. Those who have received vocational training will be able to avoid making the same mistake again. Those who work for themselves can support their families and send children to school.

PFF gives detainees and ex-detainees the opportunity to follow vocational training. The range of training courses ranges from computer skills to courses for carpenters, metalworkers, tailors, or masons. PFF also offers ex-prisoners employment in industrial centres where they can apply and improve their acquired professional knowledge and skills.

Through their work in the industrial centres, they can earn an income without having to worry about the availability of tools and workshop where they can do their work. When they have developed enough skills, they are stimulated with starter sets to start their own business.

Prisoners’ Future Foundation (PFF) in Zambia has since 2009 been committed to prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and other people in their environment. PFF has set up industrial centres in the districts of Mumbwa and Mongu where (ex) prisoners can apply and improve their acquired professional knowledge and skills.

The population in these districts can have work carried out by professionals in these industrial centres. An additional advantage is that the industrial centres offer quality products and craftsmanship but also facilitates the reintegration of ex-prisoners into the community.

The aim of this project is to ensure that the ex-prisoners can become full members of the local community after their release, to facilitate probation initiatives and to reduce the risk of relapse into crime.

As a result of the training, young people become self-reliant and learn skills with which they can find a job or possibly start their own small business. This will reduce unemployment and poverty among young people in Kabwe, as well as their involvement in criminal activities.

Tools are needed for the training courses, the industrial centres and for starter toolkits. €9,297.- is needed for the delivery of these tools by the Betuwe Worldwide Foundation. We are looking for sponsors to support this project!