CS AND EDUCATION DEPT TO DRIVE TVET IN PRISON INSTITUTIONS

By Lethisa KOLOKOL

IN a significant step towards enhancing the education of inmates across the country, yesterday (Wednesday, 18th June 2025), the Correctional Services of Papua New Guinea and the Department of Education signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Ministry of Education, Vulupindi haus in Port Moresby.

This follows a recent visit by Prime Minster James Marape to the Bomana Prison, where he reaffirmed his government’s vision to establish vocational centres within correctional institutions as a pathway forward for detainees wishing to further their education.

The MOU signed between the two key state agencies in the country is the first step towards the manifestation of that commitment.

In his remarks, Acting Commissioner, Bernard Nepo, PNG Correctional Services said the Correctional Services is directly responsible for offenders who are usually pr at times considered to be outcasts of our society. However, he believes that it is also the institutions responsibility to does not end with sentencing and safe keeping of convicted individuals but also to foster understanding, compassion and opportunity for change.

“This new partnership is an initiative that aims to provide vital vocational training and educational opportunities to convicted prisoners through the implementation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training programs for prisoners, in partnership with the Department of Education” Mr Nep said.

Dr Uke Kombra, Secretary for Education, says the focus is on the future of these prisoners, what they can be ion the future when they leave the prison walls.

“I make reference to the prisoners across the society, if the society believes and sees you as nobody, we in education would like to make a contribution to make you somebody,” said Dr Kombra.

He acknowledged the former Correctional Services Commissioner, Stephen Pokanis, through his leadership in 2019, an agreement was reached to work on this initiative.

Dr Kombra adds that the programs, includes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Flexible, Open and Distance Education (FODE) and Adult Literacy Programs as well.

Department of Education will also be assisting in developing the right infrastructure, providing the necessary technical advice and also provider financial support.

The initial roll out of the program will focus on 5 prions camps in the country, Bomana in NCD, Buimo in Lae, Kerevat in Rabaul, Baisu in Mount Hagen and Bihute in Goroka.