The Ministry of Youth and the Fiji Corrections Service have partnered to support the rehabilitation and upskilling of youth inmates in prison facilities across the country.
Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports, Meli Nacuva, and Commissioner of FCS, Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, solidified the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding in Suva on Friday.
Both parties have agreed to collaborate to foster, promote, empower, and support youth in delivering In Care Rehabilitation and Upskilling Programs for young inmates.
The MOU outlines a commitment to exchange expertise and specialists in training and capacity building for youths in correctional facilities throughout Fiji.
The parties aim to improve the lives of young inmates and contribute to community socio-economic development through various activities and programs, including Empowerment Training, Mobile Skills Training, DEIA, Sports Programs, Agriculture, and Leadership Training.
The Ministry will also utilize existing youth committees within Provincial Councils, district councils, and village councils to assist reintegration programs for youths discharged from prison.
To ensure effective implementation of the MOU, the parties have agreed to meet quarterly or as needed to evaluate progress.
They will also exchange information and data relevant to the youth population to enhance collaboration and support for youth rehabilitation programs.
This partnership marks a significant step towards empowering and supporting youth in correctional facilities, ultimately contributing to their successful reintegration into society.