Story by Parvel Makona
THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) has launched Bridge FM, a prison-based radio station designed to equip inmates with broadcasting skills as part of efforts to strengthen rehabilitation and prepare offenders for successful reintegration into society.
Launched in partnership with the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) under the theme, “From a Place of Death to a Platform of Transformation and Hope,” the initiative will provide practical training in radio production and broadcasting.
Inmates welcomed the programme, saying it will help them develop professional skills and create opportunities in the broadcasting and music industries after their release.
“This training is not just training but is going to help us with professional skills for some of us who have little experience; we have the chance to get professional skills to compete at a good level.”
Another inmate said:
“This programme by our commissioner general is expected to sharpen some of us who have talents in the radio and music industry.”
In addition to technical training, participants will receive instruction in media ethics, communication, teamwork and responsible broadcasting.
Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Matthias Chakanyuka said the station would serve as both a platform for inmates to showcase their talents and a practical training facility.
“We have provided a licence for ZPCS Bridge FM for inmates to showcase their talents, as this has provided a platform for them and will act as a training ground for some who might have an interest in radio. In terms of content, they should adhere to BAZ rules in their broadcasting within a 5km radius.”
ZPCS Commissioner General Moses Chihobvu said Bridge FM forms part of the correctional service’s broader rehabilitation strategy by equipping inmates with marketable skills in script writing, voice presentation, audio editing, studio operations and content production.
“Bridge FM was established to become a strategic communication platform that supports our correctional mandate by educating the public, showcasing rehabilitation programmes, promoting positive behavioural change, strengthening community confidence in correctional services and ultimately facilitating the successful reintegration of offenders into society.”
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service continues to expand skills-based rehabilitation programmes aimed at improving inmates’ prospects of successful reintegration after serving their sentences.
