𝟏𝟏 𝐈𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐍𝐔 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

In a historic milestone for rehabilitation and vocational training in Fiji, 11 inmates from the Naboro Minimum and Maximum Corrections Centers have officially graduated with Class 2 Joinery Certifications from Fiji National University (FNU).

The graduation formally qualifies these individuals as certified tradesmen, opening immediate doors for stable nationwide employment and a successful reintegration into society upon their release.

This achievement is the direct result of a robust partnership and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established between the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) and FNU over the past two years. Working alongside the Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC), the initiative successfully brings fully accredited tertiary education directly inside facility walls.

FCS Director of Training and Rehabilitation, Superintendent Isireli Dausiga, emphasized the critical importance of these programs in reducing recidivism and offering practical hope.

“The FCS works daily to ensure inmates get a fair chance to make a living post-release,” said Superintendent Dausiga.

“Special thanks to FNU and the Fiji Higher Education Commission for bringing accredited tertiary education directly inside our facility walls. We congratulate the graduating class on their hard work and dedication to building a better future.”

The qualifications earned by the inmates are not symbolic; they carry full weight in the commercial sector. FNU Trade Testing Officers Jope Seniloli and Bimal Singh confirmed that the certification fully qualifies the graduates to work in the joinery and construction industry across Fiji.

“This is also a milestone event for FNU, to be able to deliver our courses inside prison, and we thank the FCS for their foresight,” Mr. Seniloli stated.

This academic collaboration is part of a broader, ongoing human resource initiative within the corrections system. Over the past year, multiple cohorts of FCS personnel have also upskilled through FNU, graduating with specialized professional qualifications including:

• Certificate in Correctional Practice (Level 5)

• Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Management

The Fiji Corrections Service remains deeply committed to encouraging, supporting, and scaling accredited upgrading and upskilling programs for both its staff and those under their care, reinforcing the core mission of the Yellow Ribbon Project.