Course gives ex-prisoners second chance

THREE former prisoners have graduated with certificates of financial literacy after a training course in Lae.
Tadius Dana, Hobert Billy Keivatara and Robin Mathew Toba were among 104 unemployed youths from 3-Mile settlement who graduated yesterday after attending a two-weeks course conducted by Ginigoada Foundation.
They also received a pocket Bible each from Gideons International.
The training was funded by City Pharmacy Ltd.
It is aimed at empowering and giving youths and mothers in the settlements a second chance.
Dana, 32, from Ono in Garaina, has served time at jails in Madang, Goroka and Lae,
Keivatara’s education stopped at grade 10 in Lae when he started getting involved in criminal activities.
Now 32 and married with a child, he said: “I have realised that robbing people is not the only way to earn a fast living.”
“The course was good for young people like us.
“ We want to change now and don’t want to get into trouble.”
Toba, 24, was educated up to grade 2 and has been involved in crime for most of his life.
Youth leader Vincent Juluge said young men involved in crime have surrendered to a new life.
“I’m very happy,” he said.
“We were not expecting them to attend the training.”