It was a blessing from above as prisoners at Korovou Prison received barrels of soup packages yesterday.

The donation came from the Canadian Baptist Church as they distributed food items to needy schools and families around Suva.Pastor Steve Witmere said visiting the prison was part of their programme.

"We have donated barrels of soups to schools located outside Suva and places that were affected by the flood",said Mr Witmere.He said that he had seen changes among the inmates and the Yellow Ribbon project is very much effective."The programme has inspired inmates knowing they are given a second chance to return to their community",he said.

The packaging of soup ingridients were personally done by the youth team that were part of the fundraising drive.Mr Wtmere said the Yellow Ribbon programme and donation,gives sense to inmates that they are still being supported regarding of what they have done n the past."We should have the heart,that is willing to forgive especially for those who have done wrong and should be given a second chance",he said.

"It's the way that we want to give back to the people".

Superintendent Officer for the Central and Eastern Divisions Sairusi Gauna said they are fortunate for the donation by the church."We are grateful for the assistance that has been given to us",he added.

Korovou Prison inmate Erono Baleinukulala shows one of his paiting on display.The 26-year old displayed his drawing at Korovou Prison at Walu Bay in Suva.
"I've got this love for drawing ever seen I was a kid",he said. "And during my spare time I would be working on my drawings and at the same time I always try to create new ideas or styles as I don't like to copy other artisits.

Baleinukulala said some artists to copy from other drawings or even make some additions to it."I always love to base my art from my imagination.Mr Baleinukulala said he has learnt a lot from his past mistakes."Nothing good comes from being part of criminal activities and now I have learnt about the importance of time management.He said it has being a learning experience as he tries to develop his drawing talent.

"Evenrthough I'm an inmate I still support my family.

Source: Fiji Times
by: Sainiana Druavesi.

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