CPO Mr. Joseva Vatuwaliwali updating inmates on YRP.

During the past year, the Yellow Ribbon Project (YRP) has been disseminated to the public through intensive outreach and awareness programmes all around Fiji. 

Recent stats on demographics of readership, viewership and listenership from mainstream media in Fiji and the region suggest than more than half a million people have at least some inkling of what the Yellow Ribbon Project is all about. 

However, one sector of the community that relies totally on the YRP was today enlightened on the success of the programme since its official launch last October.
The inmates of the Nasinu Prison facility were told on how YRP is being perceived by the public and the roles that they must play to make YRP a successful programme.
Education Liaison Chief Prison Officer (CPO) Jovesa Vatuwaliwali told the inmates that while YRP is being disseminated to the public, the inmates themselves have a role to play. 

“The Yellow Ribbon Project is tailored to make you become productive members of society. 


“Outside of these prison walls, we are preparing your family, your church and the vanua to accept you back into society. 

“However, it is up to you to want to change, when you are released from here you go home. 

“We can tell people about the YRP but only you can show the people the good changes.” 

The inmates were told stories of ex-offenders who are making a success of their lives through the virtues of the Yellow Ribbon and the challenge was issued to them to make the positive change as well. 

Chief Prison Officer Vatuwaliwali reminded the inmates that they must always remember that even through there is the Yellow Ribbon there will always be discipline and security in the prison facilities. 

“The Yellow Ribbon does not mean that there is we prison officers will not enforce good discipline practices and ease up on security, these two things do not change.”
Inmate Alifereti Pita said that he was thankful that YRP was introduced into the prison system because it brought about positive changes. 

“I am glad that God has worked in the prison through the officers and the prisoners to bring about positive changes.
“We just want to tell the people of Fiji please do not forget about us, especially the young boys,” Pita said. 

October has been labeled as Yellow Ribbon Month and the Fiji Prisons and Corrections Services will be holding a special programme on YRP at all centres and prison facilities around the country. 


www.corrections.org.fj

Other October 2009 News