Eight Bihute prisoners receive school fee assistance

 Goroka businessman and philanthropist Simon Sia yesterday paid school fees for eight prisoners at Bihute jail in Eastern Highlands, to complete their technical education.

Sia paid a total of K6000 for their school fees (K750 per student) at Kamaliki Vocational Centre outside Goroka town.

The prisoners were attending training at the vocational school as part of prison rehabilitation programme.

“These detainees were human beings who have once broken the law of the land and were found guilty and imprisoned,” he said. 

“They would be returning to the community after serving their respective jail terms. 

“As part of supporting the community, I am paying for their school fees to complete their training and return to the community to contribute meaningfully toward nation building.”

Sia said he was paying K750 each for the eight detainees, two females and six males, who were from different parts of Papua New Guinea.

Corporal James Patalie, on behalf of Bihute jail commander Supt Simon Larken, thanked Sia for his kind gesture. 

He said Sia through his Bintangor Trading company has been supporting Bihute jail every Christmas, New Year and Independence Day with food, gifts, presents and even cash to celebrate.

Patalie said last year Sia paid fees for prisoners Isaac Ilailo and Paul Simon who were attending Goroka Business College

“We are enjoying a long standing relationship with Sia that will go a long way in the years to come,” Patalie said.

Detainees who received K750 each were Angeline Wanari (East Sepik); Ranu Tuanti (Kainantu); Somo Avote (Asaro); Joe Nawa (Manus); Otto Kamus (Finschafen, Morobe); Kendeps Yambrame (Marawaka); Ben William (Watabung); and, Feri Huga (Okapa).