19 receive second chance in life
Joined by family and friends, 19 prisoners celebrated the completion of their vocational training program, aimed at improving their lives after the completion of their sentences.
In a ceremony on Friday 2 August, the graduates from Tanumalala prison included eight men and 11 women who received an internationally recognised certificate in food handling and plumbing services. This is the first achievement for many.
“It is definitely a significant stepping stone toward improving their self confidence, which is one of the important aspects of rehabilitation to change their mindsets from negative to positive or from failure to success,” said Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo, Samoa Police Commissioner.
The event marked a milestone in the efforts of the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services (SPPCS) to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners to foster positive change and development within the community.
“This is a milestone for our prisons, corrections services, and inmates that are receiving internationally recognized certificates for the first time that will assist them once they conclude their time serving in prison,” Auapa’au said.
The courses were offered in collaboration between SPPCS and the Government of Australia through the Australian Pacific Training Coalition.
The goal of the program is to provide people with a second chance and better opportunities to provide for their families after being released from prison.
During Will Robinson, Australian High Commissioner to Samoa address at the ceremony, he highlighted how the training will equip people with valuable skills to facilitate their reintegration into society and emphasised the importance of second chances and the role of education in rehabilitation.
“These graduates are contributing to their workplaces, families, communities, and nation,” Robinson said. “Together we are making our blue Pacific region stronger, more stable and prosperous.”
Since APTC began in 2007, the program has supported the training of over 40,000 prisoners which includes 5,000 from Samoa.
“I trust that this program will continue to bring more positive impacts on the lives of our inmates under this partnership,” Auapa’au said.