60 inmates and warders at Kerevat Correctional Services were equipped with key financial management skills after successfully completing a Financial Literacy Training program sponsored by the Rabaul District Development Authority.
The program, hailed as a milestone for RDDA, is primarily aimed at supporting their transition back to their respective communities.
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The four-day training, held from March 30 to April 2, 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, comprising inmates and a 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 yesterday, Deputy District Administrator for Operations, Mr. Petrus Maninga told participants that without money management skills, everything else fails.
“You must have a change of mindset 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 said.
He 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,” Mr. Maninga added.
Commanding Officer Supt. John Poris said this is a unique program and commended the Rabaul District for pioneering financial literacy training within a Correctional Services institution.
Supt. Poris emphasized that such initiatives are important to transform lives and reduce reoffending, urging inmates to embrace positive change.
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 LLG and Francis Detalit from Napapar both expressed gratitude for the training, describing it as an eye-opener and life changing.
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They said it has provided them with 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.