A convicted inmate, Tarun Kumar, is sharing his transformative journey from a life of crime to one of purpose, aiming to inspire Fiji’s youth to make better decisions. Currently serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years, Kumar supervises the Tailor Unit at the Medium Corrections Centre. He emphasizes that ignoring parental guidance was a pivotal mistake that led to his incarceration.
Kumar reflects on his troubled past, mentioning how a lack of direction and poor choices, stemming from a divided family background, brought him to where he is today. He even faced moments of despair, contemplating taking his own life due to a lack of purpose. However, Kumar’s narrative took a positive turn when he joined the Tailoring Rehabilitation Program, which he credits for equipping him with valuable skills and helping him manage stress.
“We sew clothes and I’ve learned many skills while being here,” Kumar notes as he advocates for the necessity of listening to guardians and making wiser life choices. He underscores the significant impact of a single wrong decision, urging young people to consider the long-term consequences of their actions.
Kumar’s story aligns with broader community initiatives aimed at reducing youth crime, such as the Yellow Ribbon campaign led by the Fiji Corrections Service. This project focuses on second chances and supports the reintegration of ex-offenders, with an upcoming Yellow Ribbon Walk in Nausori scheduled for July 19 designed to promote community awareness and involvement.
Kumar’s resilience and willingness to share his experiences serve as a reminder that change is possible. His message highlights the importance of personal responsibility and the positive influence of supportive programs within correctional facilities. With the ongoing efforts to assist young individuals in making constructive choices, there is hope for a brighter future not only for Kumar but for the youth of Fiji as well.
Leave a comment