New TVET center to be established in Hawa CS facility upgrade

The Hawa Correctional Service facility in Hela Province *(Image: NBC News / Peter Wari)*

A Technical Vocational Education and Training [TVET] center will be established within the Hawa Correctional Service in Hela.

The TVET establishment is among other plans to improve infrastructure at the Hawa CS facility, with a strong focus on rehabilitation and humane treatment of inmates.

The Hela Provincial Government in partnership with the Ministry of Correctional Service, recently announced this upcoming developments when visiting the prison.

Hela Governor Philip Undialu welcomed the initiative and thanked Correctional Service Minister Joe Kuli for outlining key reforms, including plans to separate juvenile offenders aged 18 years and below into a dedicated facility, as well as the establishment of a separate premises for female prisoners.

“I am thankful to the Minister for his plans for rehabilitation, where prisoners will gain life skills training through the introduction of a TVET center," Undialu said. “Many times, we see prisoners as bad people and ignore them, but due to various reasons and circumstances, they have ended up in jail.

"It is important that they receive life skills training so that when they complete their sentence, they can go back and live meaningful and productive lives.”

Hela governor Phillip Alu and acting CS commissioner Bernard Nepo with inmates and Hawa CS staff *(Image: NBC News / Peter Wari)*

He said his provincial government will commit funding towards the project, with additional support expected from the National Government to help establish the TVET center.

Minister Kuli, during his visit, reiterated the CS ministry’s commitment to improving prison facilities across the country, saying that rehabilitation and reintegration remain as key priorities.

Kuli presented K5,000 to the inmates for their New Year’s celebration, encouraging them to remain hopeful and take advantage of opportunities provided for personal development. Governor Undialu also presented K5000.

“My ministry is doing everything possible to improve correctional facilities nationwide,” Minister Kuli told the prisoners. “These improvements are aimed at giving you a second chance and preparing you for life after prison.”