Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama reminded the eight graduating inmates of the Fiji Corrections Service that one mistake should not define them.

They graduated with Automotive Mechanic Engineering Stage One certificate at the Nasinu Corrections Vocational Centre graduation ceremony yesterday. The PM said he was sure the inmates doubted themselves at some point, but what mattered was their determination.

“Change can happen in a corrections system, all along the way. That my friend, is an incredibly valuable lesson regardless of who you are or where you are in life,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“Ample research and results shows that education has a massive impact on lowering incarceration and crime rates.

“If someone in prison receives the opportunity to learn an industrial skill or acquire knowledge in a specialised field, not only do they rarely return to prison, but they also go on to start businesses, create jobs, and inspire their local communities.

“Fiji is among nations leading the world in this regard. Recidivism is at the lowest it has ever been for Fiji Corrections Service, and numerous former inmates have gone on to secure successful employment after completing vocational training during their sentences.”

He said a conscious decision to change for the better could lead to a fulfilling life.

“And that’s exactly what each of you graduating today are proving. You are showing your determination to provide a better future for yourselves and your families,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“I want to commend the Fiji Corrections Service on the vast range of courses offered and all accredited through the Fiji High Education Commission and certified under Fiji National University standards.

“This is evidence of the strong commitment of Fiji Corrections Service towards a high impact rehabilitation programme.”

The graduating inmates were Viliame Mocevakaca, Demesia Fuata, Jekemaia Rabonu, Tomasi Koroivosa, Taito Rawaqa, Mohammed Sagaitu, Waisake Loabure and Tausia Fabiano.

Inmate to young Fijians: Crime does not pay

Graduating inmate Mohammed Sagaitu is advising young Fijians to think twice before committing an offence.

The 32-year-old was convicted of domestic trafficking and was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment in 2014.

Sagaitu said he was looking forward to returning home one day.

“For some, this certificate may be just a piece of paper, but for me it means a lot. I have undergone a lot of programmes available to us by Fiji Corrections Service,” he said.

“This is my first certificate that is recognised by the Fiji National University. I came in with nothing. I came in with a lot of pain and have learned a lot. I am slowly being healed.

“I advise students to study hard because this is not a place to be. Frankly speaking, this is not a place for young people. If you are given an opportunity to study, please go for it.”

He was advising children to study hard and never give up despite the challenges they go through.

“Give your all while studying out there because here we are chosen. So, when given the opportunity put in all your efforts,” Sagaitu said.

“I will have to maintain my discipline and follow the rules given to us.

“Listen to your parents because they only want what is best for you and they will never want anything bad to happen to you.”

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