Twenty-eight-year-old Opeti Korodrau acknowledges the Fiji Corrections Service for the new lease of life given to him during his time behind bars.

He was released from prison on May 15 and is now furthering his mechanical engineering studies at the Fiji National University.

Mr Korodrau was one of three inmates who received their Certificate in Automotive Mechanic Level 1 at the Nasinu Vocational Training Centre yesterday.

He said he had no plans for his future outside prison prior to joining the training.

“The training has impacted me positively, it has given me the boost to achieve my goals in life,” he said.

“I never planned to be like this, so I thank the Commissioner Francis Kean and the Corrections Service for giving me the opportunity to study.”

Two months after his release, Mr Korodrau said he still faced difficulties with people’s perception of him.

“When I got out everything was hard, it’s a really hard life, and it’s not easy. I know what the community thinks about me, but all I have to do is to look at things in a positive light so that I can try to build up my character to be a good citizen,” he said.

Mr Korodrau encourages members of society to change their perception of former inmates.

Commander Kean said they would assist Mr Korodrau to find employment.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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