By Adonis
Byemelwa
Dar es Salaam. In a commendable effort to
bridge the gap between theory and practice, students from the Institute of
Social Work in Kijitonyama, Dar es Salaam, embarked on an enlightening visit to
Segerea Prison in Ilala District.
This initiative was part of
their hands-on training, designed to offer them an immersive experience in
understanding the daily lives of inmates, with a special focus on women. The
visit aimed to shed light on the treatment of prisoners and the protection of
their fundamental rights.
On June 28, 2024, these
dedicated students, who specialize in social work with marginalized
populations, engaged directly with female inmates to gain invaluable insights
into their experiences.
The visit highlighted the
importance of advocacy in ensuring that the rights of marginalized populations
are upheld. Mickdad Uhuru, the President of the student government at the
institute, passionately articulated this mission during the visit.
The
students, specializing in social work with marginalized populations, engaged
with female inmates, learning firsthand about their experiences. The visit
included discussions on the importance of advocacy to ensure that the rights of
marginalized populations are protected. Mickdad Uhuru, the President of the
student government at the institute, emphasized this during the visit.
"We
believe that not all prisoners are guiltier than those who remain free.
Sometimes, it's a matter of circumstance, and anyone can find themselves on the
wrong side of the law. Our role as students is to advocate for their rights and
ensure they are treated fairly," said Uhuru.
In
addition to their educational objectives, the students brought essential
supplies, including diapers and sanitary pads, recognizing the needs of female
inmates, some of whom have young children.
This
gesture was not only a humanitarian effort but also part of their curriculum,
which requires students to serve marginalized communities as part of their
practical training.
"Our
curriculum mandates us to extend our services to marginalized groups as part of
our practical learning. We hope that these donations will benefit the inmates
and highlight the existence of the Criminal Justice Commission established by
President Samia Suluhu Hassan. This commission mandates that prisons treat
inmates according to the law without subjecting them to torture, as
penitentiaries are meant for rehabilitation, not punishment," Uhuru added.
The
visit also brought to light the need for psychological counseling and support
for inmates, which could be effectively provided by trained social workers.
Despite the government employing prison officers nationwide, there's a pressing
need to integrate social workers into the prison system to offer psychological
therapy and counseling.
"We
were heartened to learn that inmates are being educated and acquiring skills
while serving their sentences. Activities such as masonry, tailoring, cooking,
and baking, as seen with the women inmates, are crucial for rehabilitation.
This equips them with skills they can use once they are released," noted
Uhuru.
Anna
Mtei, a third-year student, shared her insights from the visit. "As part
of our marginalised population course, we've learned about the living
conditions of inmates and how they should be supported by the surrounding
community. We, as a class, saw the importance of visiting this prison to
witness the reality and provide necessary supplies. This hands-on experience is
invaluable," she said.
Mtei
also encouraged other students, even those not studying social work, to visit
prisons and offer support. "This would be beneficial for marginalised
populations, helping them feel valued and integrated into society," she
added.
The
Segerea prison warder, Mgaje Mbugulu, expressed gratitude to the students for
their initiative. He highlighted the importance of such visits, not only for
providing material support but also for offering psychological care to inmates.
"We
appreciate these students visiting various prisons across the country. They can
be ambassadors, encouraging other scholars not to limit their visits to nursing
homes and orphanages but to also include prisons, providing psychological care
and support," said Mbugulu.
Dr.
Esther Gabagambi, a lecturer at the Institute of Social Work, praised a recent
student visit to Segerea Prison, highlighting its educational and societal
benefits. "This visit is a testament to the comprehensive training our
students receive," she said.
Dr.
Gabagambi emphasized the broader scope of social work, commending the
government for providing free medical care for the elderly. "Social work
is about ensuring every person, including the elderly and people with
disabilities, is treated equally," she noted. "Our institute welcomes
marginalized populations and helps them unlock their talents."
She
stressed the importance of practical experiences for social work students.
"Engaging with all sectors of society, including prisons, the stigmatized,
the elderly, and those addicted to drugs, equips our students with the skills
and empathy needed to advocate effectively," Dr. Gabagambi explained.
The
visit highlighted the critical role of social workers in the criminal justice
system. "Our students learn that social work extends beyond traditional
settings. By engaging with inmates, they see the importance of rehabilitation
over punishment," she said. "Every individual, regardless of their
past, deserves a chance at redemption and a better future."
The
visit by the Institute of Social Work students to Segerea Prison highlighted
the importance of comprehensive support for inmates. Through education,
advocacy, and practical engagement, these students are poised to make a
significant impact on the lives of marginalized populations.