Prisoners at Baisu told to think big

PRISONERS at the Buimo jail in Lae have been urged to think big and start small.
Jail commander Supt Timbi Kaugla, while speaking to 40 inmates at their graduation from the grassroots university of personal viability yesterday, said that their destiny was in their minds.
The 40 prisoners, six women, had attended the two week course from the entrepreneurial development training centre (EDTC).
The EDTC self-funded the course after being brought in by the PNG Bible Society (PNGBS). 
The 33 graduated prisoners received their certificates while another seven will have to submit their assignments before being awarded.
During the graduation Supt Kaugla said: “You are viable and if you combine the PV knowledge with recently acquired writing training organised by the PNGBS, it will definitely transform your lives.”
The glee among the prisoners was overwhelming, after receiving their certificates and retiring to the mess for refreshments which were provided by Our Saviour Lutheran church women’s group.
“The course was part of a holistic approach to rehabilitation of prisoners to make them become better citizens when they return to the community and decide their destiny,” Kaugla said.
In the next three courses, Kaugla urged the facilitators to train all the prisoners and CS officers as well.
He said the EDTC had given prisoners the hope to become productive.
Facilitator Beilo Barnabas urged the prisoners to use the knowledge and skills and to “shift the mindset” into one that would make a success of each person’s life.