Taise Nauuat and Alaki Fonua embarked on a notable journey from the Kingdom of Tonga to Fiji, fueled by their aspirations to become correction officers. As the only two women in a challenging 14-week recruitment program organized by the Fiji Correction Services, they showcased exceptional determination and commitment.
Their time in Fiji was not without challenges as they prepared for their future roles at Her Majesty’s Prisons in Tonga. Reflecting on their departure, 23-year-old Ms. Nauuat expressed the emotional difficulty of leaving their families, stating, “Our parents and elders relied on us, and they embraced us at the airport before we left. We had little knowledge of what we were getting ourselves into, but we were determined.”
The training they received in Fiji was not only rigorous but also transformative, fostering personal growth and resilience. Ms. Nauuat underscored that their careers in a predominantly male field would demand significant courage and integrity, particularly in light of the fact that Tonga currently has only 34 female prison officers. Their endeavor is particularly significant in this context, highlighting the need for more women in such roles.
The training helped them cultivate essential qualities like self-discipline, which Ms. Nauuat regards as crucial for success in their future careers. Their experiences in Fiji have not only armed them with relevant skills for the corrections field but have also instilled a mission to inspire change within the correctional system in Tonga. This hope resonates with sentiments shared by other trainees and graduates from various regions.
Their aspirations reflect the spirit of collaboration characterized by a recent graduation ceremony in Fiji that honored several recruits, including four from Tonga. This event spoke to the ongoing efforts of the Fiji Corrections Service, led by Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, to enhance training standards and support rehabilitation initiatives across the Pacific region.
As Nauuat and Fonua prepare to return to Tonga, their journey serves as a testament to the potential impact of women in leadership within corrections. Their story stands as an encouraging reminder of the power of dedication and resilience, especially for women striving to break barriers in various fields.
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