The Ministry of Youth and the Fiji Corrections Service have partnered to support the rehabilitation and upskilling of young inmates in prison facilities across the country.
Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports, Meli Nacuva, and Commissioner of FCS, Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, formalized the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding in Suva on Friday.
Both parties have agreed to collaborate in fostering, promoting, empowering, and supporting youth through the delivery of In Care Rehabilitation and Upskilling Programs for inmates in the Youth category serving in prison.
The MOU outlines a commitment to exchanging expertise and specialists in training and capacity building for youths in correctional facilities across Fiji.
The parties will work together to contribute to the improvement of youth serving in prison and 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 in the reintegration programs for youth discharged from prison.
To ensure the 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.