Josaia Vusuya, originally from Drauniivi in Ra, has made a significant shift in his life by participating in the Fiji Corrections Service’s Joinery Rehabilitation Program. Reflecting on his time in prison, Vusuya expresses how it became a transformative experience, revealing talents he had never recognized before. He attributes much of this change to the powerful messages delivered by visiting pastors, which he embraced during his incarceration.
Before his sentencing, Vusuya was involved with a gang, ignoring his father’s advice to distance himself from such negative influences. Looking back, he believes that he could have avoided many difficulties if he had heeded this guidance. While in prison, he participated in rehabilitation classes such as Alpha and anger management, which he found helpful despite only completing three sessions.
His newfound passion for joinery has given him a sense of purpose and confidence that he plans to carry with him upon release. Although he faced the loss of his father last year, Vusuya still feels that his father’s words continue to resonate with him. He is determined to use his journey and experiences to inform the youth about the dangers of falling in with the wrong crowd, warning them of the consequences that can stem from a single poor choice.
This narrative echoes sentiments expressed by other rehabilitated individuals within Fiji’s correctional system, such as Tarun Kumar, who shared his own experiences of redemption and the critical role of listening to parental advice. Kumar, serving a life sentence, emphasizes the importance of making constructive life choices and urges young people to consider the lasting impacts of their decisions. The rehabilitation initiatives within the correctional facilities show promise in creating positive change and offering hope for a better future for both inmates and the younger generation.
These stories together showcase the potential for transformation and redemption, prompting individuals to reflect on their life choices and guiding them toward more positive paths. The ongoing efforts by the Fiji Corrections Service to provide these rehabilitation programs signify a commitment to reducing recidivism and supporting reintegrating ex-offenders into society.
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