Tanzania’s Social Work Students Visit Segerea Prison to Advocate for Inmates’ Rights

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a commendable effort to bridge the gap between theory and practice, students from the Institute of Social Work in Kijitonyama, Dar es Salaam, embarked on an enlightening visit to Segerea Prison in Ilala District.

This initiative was part of their hands-on training, designed to offer them an immersive experience in understanding the daily lives of inmates, with a special focus on women. The visit aimed to shed light on the treatment of prisoners and the protection of their fundamental rights.

On June 28, 2024, these dedicated students, who specialize in social work with marginalized populations, engaged directly with female inmates to gain invaluable insights into their experiences.

The visit highlighted the importance of advocacy in ensuring that the rights of marginalized populations are upheld. Mickdad Uhuru, the President of the student government at the institute, passionately articulated this mission during the visit.

The students, specializing in social work with marginalized populations, engaged with female inmates, learning firsthand about their experiences. The visit included discussions on the importance of advocacy to ensure that the rights of marginalized populations are protected. Mickdad Uhuru, the President of the student government at the institute, emphasized this during the visit.

"We believe that not all prisoners are guiltier than those who remain free. Sometimes, it's a matter of circumstance, and anyone can find themselves on the wrong side of the law. Our role as students is to advocate for their rights and ensure they are treated fairly," said Uhuru.

In addition to their educational objectives, the students brought essential supplies, including diapers and sanitary pads, recognizing the needs of female inmates, some of whom have young children.

This gesture was not only a humanitarian effort but also part of their curriculum, which requires students to serve marginalized communities as part of their practical training.

"Our curriculum mandates us to extend our services to marginalized groups as part of our practical learning. We hope that these donations will benefit the inmates and highlight the existence of the Criminal Justice Commission established by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. This commission mandates that prisons treat inmates according to the law without subjecting them to torture, as penitentiaries are meant for rehabilitation, not punishment," Uhuru added.

The visit also brought to light the need for psychological counseling and support for inmates, which could be effectively provided by trained social workers. Despite the government employing prison officers nationwide, there's a pressing need to integrate social workers into the prison system to offer psychological therapy and counseling.

"We were heartened to learn that inmates are being educated and acquiring skills while serving their sentences. Activities such as masonry, tailoring, cooking, and baking, as seen with the women inmates, are crucial for rehabilitation. This equips them with skills they can use once they are released," noted Uhuru.

Anna Mtei, a third-year student, shared her insights from the visit. "As part of our marginalised population course, we've learned about the living conditions of inmates and how they should be supported by the surrounding community. We, as a class, saw the importance of visiting this prison to witness the reality and provide necessary supplies. This hands-on experience is invaluable," she said.

Mtei also encouraged other students, even those not studying social work, to visit prisons and offer support. "This would be beneficial for marginalised populations, helping them feel valued and integrated into society," she added.

The Segerea prison warder, Mgaje Mbugulu, expressed gratitude to the students for their initiative. He highlighted the importance of such visits, not only for providing material support but also for offering psychological care to inmates.

"We appreciate these students visiting various prisons across the country. They can be ambassadors, encouraging other scholars not to limit their visits to nursing homes and orphanages but to also include prisons, providing psychological care and support," said Mbugulu.

Dr. Esther Gabagambi, a lecturer at the Institute of Social Work, praised a recent student visit to Segerea Prison, highlighting its educational and societal benefits. "This visit is a testament to the comprehensive training our students receive," she said.

Dr. Gabagambi emphasized the broader scope of social work, commending the government for providing free medical care for the elderly. "Social work is about ensuring every person, including the elderly and people with disabilities, is treated equally," she noted. "Our institute welcomes marginalized populations and helps them unlock their talents."

She stressed the importance of practical experiences for social work students. "Engaging with all sectors of society, including prisons, the stigmatized, the elderly, and those addicted to drugs, equips our students with the skills and empathy needed to advocate effectively," Dr. Gabagambi explained.

The visit highlighted the critical role of social workers in the criminal justice system. "Our students learn that social work extends beyond traditional settings. By engaging with inmates, they see the importance of rehabilitation over punishment," she said. "Every individual, regardless of their past, deserves a chance at redemption and a better future."

The visit by the Institute of Social Work students to Segerea Prison highlighted the importance of comprehensive support for inmates. Through education, advocacy, and practical engagement, these students are poised to make a significant impact on the lives of marginalized populations.