Young juvenile detainee amongst winners of 2025 Design PNG Competition

Clothing store, Jack's, has announced one of its winners in the 2025 Design PNG Competition is a juvenile detainee at Madang's Beon Correctional Institution.

The winner, Sebastian Luke; from Barum Village in the Transgogol Local Level Government area of Madang District, is one of the six winners for this year's competition.

Sebastian was introduced to the competition by Nicolas Garnier, Director of the Centre for Social Research at Divine Word University.

Nicolas does some voluntary rehabilitation work at Beon Jail, and Sebastian is one of his students.

Nicolas said he walked into Jack's store in Madang one day and picked up some pamphlets calling for interested persons to join the competition. He took them to Beon and distributed them to the juvenile boys. Sebastian gave a try for the fun of drawing and was surprised when he was advised that he had won.

"When Nicolas gave me the paper, I pasted it above my mosquito net and would look at it every time I lay down to sleep. I had no clue in designing. One day, I had nothing to do, so I decided to give it a try. I didn't expect to win. I told myself I was not supposed to draw because I am a prisoner," Sebastian said.

The announcement was made by Jack's Manager in Madang, Sylvia Ruru.

Ruru said, "Today is a special moment as we gather together to honor the incredible achievement of Sebastian Luke, one of the winners of the 2025 Design PNG Competition. This year's competition has been significant as it promotes creativity and local talents across the nation. Sebastian's story has touched hearts, not only because of the arts he created but also the powerful message behind it."

Yesterday also marked the beginning of Jack's 50th Independence Campaign. The store now has a variety of 50th Independence Anniversary merchandise on display.

She added it is only fitting that we begin with a story like Sebastian's, which is a reminder of how far we've come and that we still believe in second chance, growth, and resilience.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner of the PNG Correctional Services, Michael Mosiri, who was in Madang on official duties, also attended yesterday's gathering and applauded the Commander of Beon Jail, Superintendent Jackson Gubag, and Nicolas Garnier for the initiative they have taken in prisoner rehabilitation.

He said, "Our job as CS officers is to rehabilitate prisoners like Sebastian and return them to society as reformed persons. I want to commend Commander Gubag for reaching out to Divine Word University, whose efforts we can now see, in this case, a juvenile within our prison facilities. Second chances can make an impact in society, especially with the skills they pick up through such initiatives.

Assistant Commissioner Mosiri also congratulated young Sebastian, adding that although they are locked up behind the prison walls, they have the potential to contribute meaningfully back into their families and the society at large when they are properly rehabilitated.

Sebastian's artwork will be officially displayed at a later date.