Graduates step into professional careers in Corrections

Fifty-four Fiji Corrections Service personnel and three officers from His Majesty’s Prison, Tonga, graduated yesterday with a Certificate in Correctional Practice (Level 5) under the College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies at the Fiji National University (FNU).

The graduation ceremony was held at the Vodafone Arena in Laucala Bay, Suva. The certificate is an entry-level qualification for new recruits and subordinate officers joining the Fiji Corrections system. It equips them with the knowledge and practical skills required for a professional career in corrections.

Chief Guest, Fiji Development Bank chief executive officer Filimoni Waqabaca, encouraged the graduates to embrace challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth.

The partnership between FNU and the Fiji Corrections Service, launched in January this year, now includes personnel from Tonga, marking a first step in regional collaboration.

The programme combines classroom lessons, online learning, and practical internships to ensure recruits gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

It focuses on legal frameworks, operational protocols, communication, ethics, and safety practices, preparing officers for the real challenges of the job.

The training also emphasises professional conduct, accountability, and effective decision-making.

Graduates are expected to apply these skills immediately in their roles, contributing to safer and more efficient correctional facilities across the region.

Among the graduates was 21-year-old Fakaofo Tonga from Navutoka in Tonga, one of the first from his country to join the Fiji Corrections training programme.

“I came from Tonga. I’m very happy today because this is the first time for us, the first time to come to Fiji. I’d like to thank the Commissioner of Fiji, my fellow recruits, and Tongans who supported us,” Mr Fakaofo said.

His Majesty’s Prison, Tonga graduate, Fakaofo Tonga at the Vodafone Arena in Laucala Bay, Suva on December 9, 2025.

Photo: Talei Roko

Balancing training and study was challenging, but he enjoyed working with Fijian recruits.

“We’re happy to come to another country and work with our fellow brothers from Fiji,” he said.

He also encouraged young Tongans to stay focused on their dreams: “If you dream to become an officer, you can do your best. Stay focused.”