TVET to be rolled out in prisons nationwide

A new chapter in prison rehabilitation was marked today with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] between the PNG Correctional Services [CS] and the Department of Education in Port Moresby.

The MoU highlights the vital role education plays in restoring dignity, instilling hope, and creating opportunities for those seeking a second chance after encountering the law.

Acting CS Commissioner Bernard Nepo and Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra officially signed the agreement, which will see education and training programs rolled out across correctional institutions nationwide.

The signing marked a significant and emotional milestone for both agencies, as the long-anticipated initiative is finally set to become a reality. The rollout of structured learning and skills training within prisons is expected to transform lives behind bars.

Acting Commissioner Nepo described the initiative as a lifeline for inmates.

"This program offers individuals the chance to redefine their future, acquire valuable skills, and reintegrate into society as productive citizens," he said.

“By equipping inmates with practical skills, we are not simply preparing them for employment, we are instilling them a sense of purpose, dignity and self-worth.

“We envision a future where the prison system is not solely a place of confinement but a place of learning, growth and transformation”.

Under the agreement, Technical and Vocational Education and Training [TVET] programs will be introduced in all CS institutions. Training will cover a range of practical disciplines including carpentry, construction, culinary arts, electrical work, and information technology, skills aligned with current labor market demands.

Dr Kombra described the MoU as a long-term vision to transform lives.

“Our job in education is to make somebody, and we believe that we must not look at history, but we must look at what an individual can be in the future,” the education secretary said.

“I make reference to our prisoners, our inmates in our prisons across the country, that if a society believes and feels and sees you as nobody, we in education would like to make a contribution to make you somebody.

“We want to work with the CS to look at what they can be in the future when they leave the prison gates and so we would like to be a part of this very important partnership.”

Meanwhile, former Correctional Services Commissioner Steven Pokanis was acknowledged for his foundational work in initiating this agreement back in 2019.