Hibiscus Festival contestants at the Suva, Female Prisons & Corrections Center.

Three month old baby Joseph Dau got an awakening surprise when the female contestants at this years Hibiscus festival visited the Korovou Prison yesterday.

The Women’s Prison was apart of the tour organized by the Hibiscus committee and was an annual thing for the pageant.

The 15 contestants from the Queens category, 7 contestants in the ladies catergory and 20 male contestants converged at the Correctional facilities to be briefed before the tour.

The group was briefed about the Yellow Ribbon project that is being undertaken by the Fiji Prison and Correctional Services.

The male contestants visited the male correctional facilities whilst the females visited the Women’s Prison.

Miss Kidney Foundation of Fiji Frances Disiga said the experience was an eye opener for her.

“Just watching and spending time learning about how they lived was a heartfelt experience.

“I was at a loss of words seeing how talented they were whilst touring the Art Gallery and seeing their handiwork.”

She said the tour was an eye opener.

“I have come to change the way I see not judgmental but rather that they are ordinary people like us with fathers, mothers, families and dreams.

“Meeting baby Joseph was the highlight and he was so adorable, I was just thinking about how he is happy just to be growing up with his mother’s love inside here.”

Miss Suva Retailers Association Taraivini Rayawa said the trip was a significant experience for her.

“I believe it was an enriching exercise for me and it make one appreciate life and our loved ones.”

She said meeting the prison inmates was the highlight of the trip.

“I saw and met women whom I believe all have the potential to make a difference in society when they leave her and we need to accept and support them.

“Just friendly smiles and reaching out to them will help in the rehabilitation process; I’ve learned that everyone deserves a second chance.”

Miss Perfect Party Hire Shristi Sweeta Singh said the tour was an touching one.

“It was an emotional one meeting the women and educational that I thank the organizers for organizing its an experience that has changed my perception of people who are in prison.”

The contestants then finished the tour with a show at “The Tagimoucia Art Gallery” at the Suva Corrections Centre.

Source: Fiji Sun