Beating the Odds; Mzuzu Prison Inmate makes it to MZUNI

A Mzuzu Prison Inmate, Patrick Mwafulirwa, 22, serving nine years jail sentence after being found guilty of defilement has been selected to Study Bachelor of Science in Medicine and Midwifery at Mzuzu University.

According to Mzuzu Prison Spokesperson, MacBeth Wasambo, Mwafulirwa passed with 17 Points from the Mzuzu Prison Reformatory Secondary School after sitting for the 2020 Malawi School Certificate of Education.

Wasambo said Mwafulirwa, who is yet to be freed in 2023, stands a chance of being released on pardon or to declare his interest to proceed with his studies once released in the year 2023.

“We will recommend Mwafulirwa to be on pardon to the headquarters so that he can proceed with his education”, said Wasambo.

Meanwhile, speaking following the development Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) Executive director Benedicto Kondowe said it is a pleasant development.

“it is inspiring to see those in correctional facilities excel in their studies under bearable conditions,” said Kondowe.

However, currently, there are no legal arrangements that can help people like Mwafulirwa go for higher learning unless they are on a pardon for being on the best behavior and reflecting the change.

Kondowe has since called for concern for such inmates to be given chances to pursue their studies if the circumstances allow.

“The government is obliged to provide education to those inmates who want education,” added Kondowe.

Mwafulirwa hails from Mwamatope Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kyungu in Karonga.