NGO trains female prison inmates on sanitary pad production in Abakaliki

NGO trains female prison inmates on sanitary pad production in Abakaliki 

 

A Non-governmental organization, Female Inmates and  Returned Citizens(FIRC) has trained over 50 female inmates at the Abakaliki Correctional Service Center on sanitary pad production.

The training was  organized by the organization with support from Cardite Prisoners Interest Organization (CAPIO)

Loveth Effiong, a member of Female Inmates and Returned Citizens who trained the female inmates, said she was excited and that it was part of her efforts to ensure that the inmates does not go back to what took them to the prison.

She noted that training female inmates has taken her to many places in the country

“I feel happy, I feel joy training the female inmates because I don't want them to return to what took them to the prison when they are discharged. This washable pad has impacted my life in so many ways, taking me to so many places which I never expected in my life.

“Having the attention of the inmates was number one challenges I encountered because most of them never wanted to learn this skill but by the help of the Holy Spirit, they all agreed to learn it.

“We are here for God to correct us, not to corrupt us, we here for correction and not for corruption. I made these female inmates that I was the rejected person and if not for God and Female Returning citizens, I became somebody that I never believed in my life. There are many of them I taught how to sew clothes and they picked up”, Effiong stated.

Program Officer of FIRC, Godwin Ugbor described the training as a rare opportunity for the inmates and implored the inmates to make use of the opportunity to better their lives.

He said “this project is implemented by Female Inmates and Returned Citizens(FIRC). CAPIO  is involved because we are bringing support because doing program involves high level of knowledge and that is what CAPIO is bringing while training FIRC members to take over the running of FERC.

“So, in 2022, we established FIRC and FIRC has been doing projects. This projects has been done in Lagos where Loveth the trainer came from, done in Enugu, Delta State, Abia State, Rivers State,  Anambra State,   Plateau State and other state.

“I am hoping that when next we come to Abakaliki, it will not be washable sanitary pads CAPIO is not a normal NGO, it is an apostolate meaning that we are concerned with the welfare of people. If somebody takes up this challenge and wants to run with it, we will equally be there to support you even when you have learn this work, we will always do what is within our powers to support you.

“This is a rare opportunity. I observed one of you saying "they thought they have done me bad by dumping me in  the prison but they have dumped me to my place of blessing". “Loveth your trainer was once one of you. She is doing well today and has trained many female inmates since she came out of prison.

“She has been in Ebonyi since August, she went to Onitsha. From this Abakaliki, she will be returning to Lagos. She paid attention when she was learning this skill, learned very well and she is now committed to the task.

“As I see you leaving this place, I want to see you run with this vision. Don't go and begin to live on sympathy, we have seen some ex-inmates live on sympathy, they want to return to ways that are not good but that is why we do our best to encourage you, to empower you so that when you leave, you will be independent financially"

A representative of CAPIO, Rev Fr. Philip Gosimo advised the inmates to use the skill and establish themselves when they are discharged from the prison.