Capacity-building training was given to 250 prisoners who will soon be released and reintegrated into their community. The training was organized under the coordination of Mizan-Tepi University, vice president for research and community engagement offices.

The training focused on psychology, poultry farming, beekeeping, animal husbandry, and vegetable and fruit cultivation.

Dr. Girma Tilahun, Vice President for Research and Community Engagement at Mizan Tepi University, delivered a message to the trainees at the closing ceremony.  He emphasized that the prisoners can apply the knowledge and skills they acquired by starting from scratch, staying motivated, and making significant contributions to their communities. He added that the university will collaborate with the prison administrators in the future since community engagement is one of its three core pillars. He confirmed the university’s dedication to sharing knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the communities.

Chief Inspector Getnet Beqalu, Commander of Mizan prison, acknowledges Mizan-Tepi University for sending its scholars to provide training in essential areas that will enable the prisoners to become productive members of society and achieve financial independence. He acknowledged the university for valuable community service, calling it a timely and exemplary initiative. He also acknowledged the prisoners for their respectable discipline throughout the training and encouraged them to not only improve their own lives but also contribute to their communities and the nation.

The trainees also expressed their satisfaction with the knowledge and skills they acquired and said that they are ready to begin small businesses upon their release.

The three-day training concluded with a certificate awarding ceremony for all trainees.