By WATSON GABANA
Dick Yano and Kenneth Gaide are students learning to become teachers at the Madang Teachers College. They are no ordinary students. They stay and live at Madang's Beon Correctional Institute.
After lectures they go back to Beon and are locked behind bars.
They are part of the Beon Correctional Institute's on-going rehabilitation program.
Under the watchful eyes and direction of Welfare and Rehabilitation Program Manager, Senior Inspector Jackson Gubag, Beon CI is involved in many rehab programs to reform inmates.
"Life is not about serving terms. It is about introducing our young men and women in prisons to be productive," Senior Inspector Gubag said.
Since 2003, the Beon gaol has successfully implemented several rehabilitation programs with support of the stakeholders and individuals in Madang. Institutions like, Divine Word University, Madang Teachers College, Voluntary Service Oversea (VSO) Tokaut AIDS program and other non-government organizations and churches have supported the Beon Initiative.
Two prisoners graduated with flying colors from the Madang Teachers College in 2005 through the jail's macro-teaching program. Low-risk detainees, who have completed grade 10 educations, are identified and are regularly assisted to be in this rehab program. Dick and Kenneth are part of this.
Even, business houses and individuals have noticed and supported the Beon initiative by engaging the detainees in grass cutting, welding, painting and other building programs in town. A singing and choir program was introduced by Br. Michael McManus of DWU where several of their songs have been recorded with studios around the country.
"I appeal to all stakeholders, business houses and individuals to support us to rehab these youths," Mr. Gubag said.
"Our young people must come out of Beon and other prison centers changed and reformed," he continued.
Now, Mr. Gubag has employed another very challenging initiative. With support from his officers, the Beon CIS has a full soccer squad participating in the Madang competition. The Tarangau team has the majority of its players, 13 in total - are all detainees. Most are serving five to eight years term for murder, arm robbery, rape and other offences.
This is against Correctional Institution's government policy. Mr. Gubag is going beyond rules in the name of rehabilitation.
"The full squad is all detainees. Although it is against CIS policy to have huge number of detainees in a team, we manage to do that," Mr. Gubag said.
The Tarangau team has been very competitive and excelled since teaming up with Madang Soccer Association (MSA) in 2003. They've proven to soccer followers and officials that the team is to be recognized and awarded. Last season, Tarangau finished fourth in division one and were qualified to play in the finals. They played on to win the grand final. This year, Tarangau lost only three season games. Those loses were on forfeits. They were declared the minor premiers in division one. They lost in the finals play-off last weekend. Now, the team has qualified to play in the premier league in 2008.
The Mobile Company, Digicel has realized the potential and has pledged its support to the team. The prisoners were dressed in Digicel colors during the final series over the weekend. The company has made a commitment to support the club in next year's competition.
Dick and Kenneth not only serve time as prisoners, goes to school at Madang Teachers College and return to Beon. They are also part of this team. Looking closely, these two young men are potential soccer players for this country. Dick is a gifted goalkeeper while Kenneth is the danger man capable of creating havoc at the other end of the pitch.
"Tarangau is one of the most discipline team in MSA this year," John Gringo, an officer of Madang soccer association said.


 

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