Breaking the Stigma: Ex-Inmates Forge Path to Employment
“21 former inmates formed the group in an effort to assist other former serving inmates who faced difficulties when they came out into the community,” Mr Labalaba said.
Wednesday 24 April 2024 | 16:14
Members of Exodus clean up a physically-challenged man’s home in Naikabula, Lautoka.
The stigma surrounding those who rejoin society after serving their sentences in correctional facilities has prompted a group of former inmates to work towards creating employment opportunities for income generation.
Exodus president Josateki Labalaba appealed to Government to assist the Lautoka-based group in getting its latest business venture plan off the ground.
Additionally, he’s calling on the same to remove the minor offences of the young offenders to enable them to find work easily.
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He said this was the ideal solution for those who could not secure employment after being released.
“We have future plans to set up a taxi business and a coffee shop that will also have a bakery,” he said.
“This is because most of the men have learned baking skills while serving their sentences so this should be a good opportunity for them.
“We hope this new project will help the young offenders to have a better future.
“I found God who turned my life around.”
He said the group was formed in February and hoped to make it more self-sufficient.
“21 former inmates formed the group in an effort to assist other former serving inmates who faced difficulties when they came out into the community,” Mr Labalaba said.
“We also want to help youths who are habitual offenders.”
This by inviting these youth to join them in their community work in the hope of inspiring them.
“There is a lot of stigma which sometimes demotivates them,” he said.
“The Yellow Ribbon project is good but sometimes its ineffective because stigma continues to persist.”
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