purpose of the visit was to distribute vegetables for the inmates in light of the food shortages affecting the prison. Also ZACRO had chance to meet students Attending school and heard their requests. This was a follow up on the students whom ZACRO intended to pay for their exam fees. Shona set books - pens, rulers, pencils, A3 drawing paper and globes for light • Note – A lot was a lot lacking at the education Section which could hinder performance of the students. The organization needed to make an intervention so that learning was made easier. Chikurubi Female prison(Background Info) Challenges, Needs and Interventions ZACRO visited the prison on Thursday 19 June 2008 and the purpose was to donate supplementary food stuff for the sick patients, pregnant mothers, children and breast feeding mothers. The rationale for choosing Chikurubi female was that most of the sick, pregnant and breast feeding mothers were not getting enough food The children were not included in the prison budget and ZACRO saw it noble to give them supplementary feeding. The rationale for choosing Harare central prison was that there are sick inmates who are under skills training but did not have adequate food. This hindered their progress and ZACROI had to give them supplementary feeding. When The visiting team met Jane William a member of WOZA who was arrested for political violence. She enlightened ZACRO that there was urgent need for: • sanitary pads, Vaseline, soap and water at the Prison. She gave us contact people that we can talk to at ZCTU so that they can help with sanitary wear. Upon release she was interested to work with ZACRO and improve the plight of prisoners. • ZACRO also talk to the rehab officer on the wish to intensify a hair saloon project apparently run at a small scale while it has been proceeds from this project helped the prison acquire basic needs like toilet detergents Harare Workshop (Background Info) ZACRO had chance to meet the officer in charge of the carpentry department and got requirements needed to make two beds and two wardrobes for the half way house. ZACRO managed to get the requirements and assured the officer that the organization was going to acquire the materials needed and start working on the items Hurungwe Prison (Background Info) Huru The prison visit was held on 20 August. 2008 The purpose of the visit was to familiarize with the prison and conduct a need assessment since it was the first time to visit the prison. The visiting team comprised of ZPS and ZACRO officials. These were Assistant Commissioner Chikwature – the Officer commanding Mashonaland region, Superintendent Munjoma – regional security coordinator, Principal Prison Officer (PPO) Mashingaidze, (PPO)Chikowo and Miss Bhunhu – the ZACRO Welfare Manager. They were welcomed by the officer in charge; Superintendent Makumbe who highlighted the problems the prisoners and officers were facing. The most pressing issue at the prison was water crisis. Generally – offenders at the prison were healthy and were well fed. There was no food crisis as the prison grows and grinds its own maize. The prison could be a potential food basket for the region if fully utilized as there was plenty of fertile land again. It was good site for bee keeping for bees and good bee forage were available Recommendations and way forward The rehabilitation officers were to compile reports on the Impact realized from the supplementary feeding scheme. • However, the Chikurubi rehab officer compiled a list of requirements needed for the intensification of the hair saloon project. ZACRO was to be in touch with Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) on the issue of sanitary wear while set to chip in on the need sand demands of the women and children in the prison. Challenges, Needs and Interventions The visiting team met offenders and their needs were: • soap, clothing and blankets and transport upon release as most of them were from far areas like Harare. Thus the officer commanding the region promised to resolve this and assure transport for the released inmates and complete their sentences in Harare or at a prison nearer their homes. • Further more the prisoners needed: Chemicals for cleaning toilets, medical supplies such as pain killers and bandages while they most wanted salt to flavor their relish and more carving equipment. • The prison has garden, orchards and seed beds Where they nurse tobacco seeds and needed inputs and raise production while acquiring farming skills too. Thus they suggested having a borehole since there was under ground water and boast their farming projects. Most often they did not have what to do which could lead to escapes and unruly behavior among the inmates and they needed recreational facilities. 21