Construction of classroom under progress in Kachere.Construction of classroom under progress in Kachere.

Interest by UN in Norwegian funded prison project

Last updated: 02.03.2012 // On Friday 24th of February representatives from the Norwegian Embassy visited Kachere juvenile prison in Lilongwe with company from UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) in New York. The purpose of the visit was for the UN to see a prison school project currently underway. DPKO is interested in the project because they want to duplicate it in post conflict countries.

Thus, the prison visit was made by DPKO in order to gather knowledge and experience from the Norwegian funded project. The project in Kachere juvenile prison serves as a pilot study for the DPKO.

The school within Kachere juvenile prison is well attended by students at primary and secondary level. In the previous term, all of the inmates in the secondary level classes passed their end of the year national examinations. The school uses Government approved curriculum and upon release the students are able to join their respective forms with confidence and skills set to pursue higher education.

The Norwegian Embassy in Lilongwe is currently financially supporting Centre for Legal Assistance (CELA) which is the implementing partner working with prison authorities in Kachere. On educational matters, CELA cooperates with the I live Here (ILH) project.

In 2011 CELA received NOK 2.1 million from the Norwegian Embassy. In 2012 they will receive NOK 1.6 million. In 2012 3 classrooms of 10 metres by 7 metres with 3 toilets will be built inside Kachere prison. One storage room and block for 5 staff members will be built in 2012 as well.


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