Taise Nauuat and Alaki Fonua made a significant journey from the Kingdom of Tonga to Fiji in pursuit of their dreams of becoming correction officers. They were the only two women to participate in a rigorous 14-week recruitment process conducted by the Fiji Correction Services, demonstrating remarkable perseverance and commitment.
During their time in Fiji, the pair faced numerous challenges while striving to prepare for their roles back home at Her Majesty’s Prisons in Tonga. Reflecting on their departure, 23-year-old Ms. Nauuat shared how difficult it was to leave their home. She noted, “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.”
Their training in Fiji proved to be a rewarding experience that fostered personal growth and resilience. Ms. Nauuat emphasized that beyond the training, their careers in a male-dominated field would require substantial courage and integrity. She highlighted the limited number of female prison officers back in Tonga, where there are only 34 officers, making their journey all the more significant.
The training reinforced essential qualities such as self-discipline, which Ms. Nauuat considers vital for success in their professional roles. Through their experience, they not only gain skills applicable in corrections but also carry the hope of inspiring change within the correctional system back home, echoing sentiments shared by other recruits and graduates from various regions.
Notably, this sense of ambition mirrors the recent graduation ceremony in Fiji, which celebrated recruits, including four from Tonga, highlighting the spirit of regional collaboration within the corrections community. The Fiji Corrections Service, under Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa’s guidance, has been actively working to improve training standards and promote rehabilitation in the Pacific region.
As Nauuat and Fonua prepare to return to Tonga, their journey shines a light on the potential impact of women in leadership roles in corrections, paving the way for future generations. Their story is a hopeful reminder of the importance of dedication and resilience, particularly for women seeking to break barriers in various fields.
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