The 64th anniversary of the Prisons Department in Morogoro Region took on a unique approach as officers and staff joined forces with the local community to carry out social initiatives and support vulnerable groups.
During a cleaning exercise at Sabasaba Health Center in Morogoro Municipality, the Regional Prisons Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Prisons (SACP) Petter Anatory, said the activities reflect this year’s theme, which emphasizes strong collaboration between prisons and society for effective rehabilitation.
He underscored the importance of the effort, noting that many diseases stem from unhygienic surroundings.
“By engaging in these cleaning exercises, we are helping reduce the government’s healthcare burden,” he said.
“This initiative also aims to show that prisons are not isolated entities but an integral part of the community contributing to development,” he added.
The Officer in Charge of Mtego wa Simba Prison, Senior Superintendent of Prisons (SSP) Nicostratus Magori, said beyond cleaning efforts, the department runs income-generating projects in agriculture and livestock, including dairy farming and milk processing.
He explained that these projects actively involve inmates serving sentences, equipping them with skills that enable them to become self-reliant after their release.
As part of the anniversary activities, inmates and officers donated farm produce and other essential items to elderly people and children with special needs at centers in Mgolole and Bingwa Ward, Morogoro Municipality.
The donations included products made by prison staff and inmates, such as processed milk from the Kingolwira dairy plant, which uses milk sourced from cows raised at the facility.
The program also saw officers from Kihonda Prison, the Remand Prison, and the Regional Prisons Office participating in cleaning Sabasaba Health Center and donating blood.
Dr. Yahya Mohamed, representing the Sabasaba Health Center in-charge, commended the initiative, saying it has helped reduce financial pressure on health facilities.
He urged the public to follow the department’s example in giving back to the community.
According to the Prisons Department, similar initiatives are being carried out across the country to strengthen community engagement while reviewing the institution’s role in national development.