Inmate uses carpentry skills to mentor others

A former businessman serving time is now one of Naboro Corrections Centre's most valued tradesmen — and he is using his time behind bars to transform others.

Shiu Chand, 45, from 8 Miles Nasinu, once ran a joinery and rental company on the outside.

Today, inside the medium-security centre, he leads a furniture workshop that produces up to 30,000 pieces a month during the peak season between November and January.

"I'm happy to teach them my talent," Mr Chand said. "I was a joiner outside, and I'm more happy to teach them more than I am."

His unit handles everything from modern kitchen furniture to outdoor finishes, and supplies large school orders each year. Outside of the peak season, the workshop produces between 12,000 and 15,000 pieces monthly.

Mr Chand has already trained around 15 inmates, many of whom have also earned Fiji National University certificates at Stage 2 and Stage 3 level — formal qualifications they can carry with them after release.

But for Mr Chand, the work goes beyond furniture.

"Just learn a trade so that you go out, you don't do any wrongdoings," he said.

"Get a trade, do good work, so that we never come back here. This is not our home. Our home is at home, with our families."

With three and a half years remaining on his sentence, Chand plans to rebuild his business once released.

"I'll be a very changed person," he said visibly emotional. "I want to prove to the community that I will be a very changed person this time."

His story offers a glimpse into how Naboro's rehabilitation programmes are giving inmates practical skills — and a reason to look forward.

Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com,fj