The Rabaul District Administration in East New Britain province, marked a significant achievement in its rehabilitation efforts with the successful completion of a Financial Literacy Training by 60 inmates and warders at Kerevat Correctional Services.

The four-day training which took place from March 30th to April 2nd, was conducted by the District’s Social Development sector and aimed to equip inmates with vital financial management skills to support their transition back into their respective communities.

Participants comprised of inmates and few warders were trained on key areas including budgeting, savings, and responsible financial decision-making to better prepare them for life after release.

Speaking at the closing ceremony April 2, Deputy District Administrator for Operations, Mr. Petrus Maninga, told participants that without money management skills, everything else fails.

“You must have a change of mind set and make a difference in your communities, upon release.”

“The certificates you receive today carry value and can be used to approach financial institutions for opportunities.”

Mr. Maninga reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to delivering inclusive development programs that support and elevate all members of the community- including those within correctional institutions.

“We do not see you only as offenders. We are committed to rehabilitating and empowering you to become better citizens.”

Meanwhile, Commanding Officer Superintendent John Poris, said this is a unique program and commended Rabaul District for pioneering financial literacy training within a Correctional Services institution.

Supt. Poris said that such initiatives are important to transform lives and reduce reoffending and inmates must embrace positive change.

On the other hand, Provincial Industrial Officer for Commerce, Mr. Allan Jubilee, encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained to build sustainable livelihoods.

Inmates Amanda Ray from ward 11 in Rabaul Urban Local Level Government (LLG) and Francis Detalit from Napapar, both expressed gratitude for the training, describing it as an eye-opener and life-changing.

They said it has given them valuable skills in money management as well as hope and confidence to rebuild their lives and make better choices upon release.

A similar training will be conducted for a second batch in the near future.