Prisoners: 221
Staff: 84

At Makande Prison in Thyolo, water is part of nearly every aspect of daily life. The facility serves 221 prisoners and 84 staff members, and reliable access is essential for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing clothes, cleaning, handwashing and preparing meals. With a new well available, the prison has a more dependable source for these everyday needs.

Water is especially important in a setting where so many people share living spaces and facilities. Having water for cleaning and personal hygiene helps the prison maintain a cleaner environment, while access for cooking supports the preparation of daily meals. Prisoners receive porridge made from soya and maize, making water an essential part of food preparation as well.

Life at Makande also includes opportunities for prisoners to develop skills they can use beyond their time in prison. They can learn farming, carpentry and bricklaying, as well as reading. These activities are part of a broader approach to rehabilitation that gives people opportunities to learn and prepare for life after release.

Faith is another part of the prison community. Chaplain Zachis Kasawa has served at Makande since 2012, offering Bible study and counselling. Morning devotion takes place every day for prisoners, with officers joining on Mondays and Fridays. On Sundays, the community gathers for worship at 8 a.m.

At Makande, access to water reaches far beyond drinking. It makes it possible to maintain hygiene, prepare food, keep shared spaces clean and carry out daily activities with greater dignity. A dependable water source helps create the conditions people need to learn, work, worship and take part in the life of the prison community.