The paradigm shift created by the new 2016 amended Constitution No. 2 and the repealed, replaced Prisons Act Cap 97 into the new Correctional Act No. 37, has not only raised the Zambia Correctional Service human rights profile but has created a lot of hope for the incarcerated people in Zambia.
Among many admirable changes are; the creation of a dietary scale for the In-But-Free children known as circumstantial children under four years in our Correctional Centres.
The increased earning scheme for the hard working convicts from K1 & K2 to a reasonable amount that can assist dischargees, pardonees and parolees for transport after their tour of duty.
The ZCS strengthened extension services and the medical directory shall partner effectively with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) such as PRISCCA in providing quality health care, academic and entrepreneurship skills for both serving and ex-prisoners alike.
The open door policy by government partnering with the Zambia Correctional Service, CSOs, Legal Aid Board (LAB) and Judiciary shall enhance legal aid provision especially to the indigents as they so much need legal education and advice.
Many thanks to ZCS and TEVETA for authorizing and accrediting PRISCCA to train and certify prisoners in various trades and entrepreneurship skills in the quest to empower ex-prisoners thereby reducing recidivism in Zambia.
PRISCCA has trained 14 long serving inmates in paralegal studies level 3 and entrepreneurship skills to be soon certified by TEVETA. This will go a long way in enhancing basic legal education for all serving inmates at Chimbwakaila (Lusaka Central Correctional Centre).