Baisu Prison registered as technical vocational education centre

By ELIAS LARI
A PRISON has been registered as a technical vocational education training centre as part of its rehabilitation programme for inmates.
The Teaching Service Commission and the Education department recently gave the green light to the Baisu Prison in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands to start classes on Monday. It will have a manager and three lecturers.
Catholic Priest Father Robert Nolie, who was behind the initiative, said it was a dream come true for those who wanted to see the prisoners leave the camp “changed persons”.
Nolie and prison officer John Mieugle will enrol more than 20 prisoners as pioneer students.
Mechanic, motor mechanic, carpentry and welding are the first courses.
“This centre will help prisoners from the Highlands sent to Baisu,” Nolie said.
Nolie said Baisu was the regional referral jail in the Highlands. Prisoners transferred there will be equipped with technical skills.
They will leave as changed persons and use their skills for a better future, he said.
“I’m very thankful to the Education Department for approving the registration of Baisu Tvet.”
Jail commander Superintendent Timbi Kaulga said at least 20 prisoners would begin classes on Monday.
“This is in line with the CS corporate plan to rehabilitate prisoners because they will go out with the technical skills,” Kaulga said.
Kaulga has requested acting CS Commissioner Steven Pokanis to make available quarters for the first two staff members.