16 inmates get job opportunities at Yellow Ribbon Expo

16 inmates have an opportunity to get a job after their release from prison as they were interviewed by potential employers from various sectors during the 5th Fiji Corrections Service Yellow Ribbon Employment Expo.

These sectors include the hospitality industry, engineering, carpentry and joinery, information technology, farming and administration.

Fiji Corrections Service says the 16 inmates are within 12-months from their date of discharge and eligible for employment release.

Vodafone Fiji’s Head of Recharge and Distribution, Nilesh Singh, says when former inmates are provided with the tools, education, and opportunities to re-enter the workforce, they are then investing in their potential to become productive, tax-paying citizens.

He says he knows that prior to the Yellow Ribbon Project, many who have served time, at the end of their sentence often marked the beginning of a new struggle, limited opportunities and the challenge of re-integrating into society.

Singh says that has all changed for the better, and the Expo, excludes this cycle, which was more like an invisible shackle hampering the ability of former inmates to rebuild their lives but also preventing them from contributing to our communities and economy once again.

He says let us commit to breaking down the barriers that prevent former inmates from fully participating in our communities.

Newly appointed Commissioner of Corrections, Dr Jalesi Nakarawa, says the event signified their attempts to reach beyond the confines of prison walls and to push for the transition of ex-offenders back into society.

He says the marked success of their public engagement events like the Yellow Ribbon Walk held in Labasa this year and the Expo, was largely due to the support of the Government, religious denominations, the corporate sector, the Vanua, Communities and families over the years.

Dr Nakarawa further says they acknowledge the support of the Government, religious denominations, the corporate sectors, the Vanua, communities and families as this is a task they cannot do alone.