LDS Primary School has donated $830 worth of essential items, including two wheelchairs, diapers and sanitary packs to the Nasinu Corrections Centre, as part of a service project aimed at supporting inmates and teaching students the importance of giving back to the community.
Head of Unit for Classes 5 and 6, Beranavera Sautu says the visit involved senior students from the school, who wanted to take part in a meaningful service project by helping people in need.
Sautu says the school initially considered other activities, such as cleaning up an area or visiting a hospital to make donations, before deciding to visit the corrections centre.
She says parents, students and teachers worked together to organise the donations, with parents and families contributing essential items requested by the corrections centre.
The donations included diapers for elderly inmates, sanitary packs and two wheelchairs donated by one family following a request from the centre to assist elderly inmates with mobility difficulties.
The students also entertained inmates by singing “Just Pray” and “This Little Light of Mine” and showcasing their talents as part of the visit.
He says the experience was enjoyable and educational for the students, who also had the opportunity to ask corrections officers questions about life inside the facility.
Sautu says teachers used the visit to remind students about the importance of discipline, making good decisions and appreciating their freedom.
He says the visit allowed students to understand that their actions have consequences and that they should learn from the experiences of others rather than find themselves in similar circumstances.
Sautu adds that the visit also helped students understand the importance of rehabilitation, saying everyone makes mistakes but people should be given opportunities to change, learn and rebuild their lives.
He also acknowledged the role of the Fiji Corrections Service and the support provided by the people of Fiji through their taxes, which help maintain the corrections system.
Sautu thanked the corrections officers and senior management for welcoming the students and accepting the donations.
