A total of 20 inmates successfully graduated with level one national certificates in automotive engineering and electrical fitter mechanic at the Nasinu Corrections Centre on Thursday.
“Studies have shown that education has a massive impact on lowering incarceration and crime rates,” said Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau while officiating at the event.
“If someone in the correctional facility 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 – re-offending is at the lowest it has ever been for Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) and numerous former inmates have gone on to secure successful employment after completing vocational training during their sentences.”
Mr Koroilavesau re-affirmed the FijiFirst Government’s commitment to supporting a progressive and inclusive governance system that will benefit all Fijians.
“I would like to ask you all to imagine the myriads of opportunities that our Government, through the FCS, can support in our ongoing efforts to move towards a very progressive approach of rehabilitation within our correctional facilities.
“We can already see the impact through the reduction of recidivism. Imagine if we were to be given the opportunity to continue our services to our people.”
He commended the Fiji Corrections Service on the vast range of courses offered, which are all accredited through the Fiji Higher Education Commission and certified under Fiji National University standards.
The Nasinu Corrections Centre now forms an integral part of the FCS new Rehabilitation Framework – the Nasinu Vocational Centre – which runs music, singing and dance school which runs concurrently with the vocational center and caters for inmates who are more inclined for the arts sector.
