The Ministry of Police Prisons and Corrections Services this week received a donation of 400 Bibles and various other books, to assist with inmates’ rehabilitation programmes.
The donation of Bibles and books included a wide selection of quality novels written by Samoan and Pacific authors.
The donation was made possible through the collaborative efforts and commitment of Samoa Stationery and Books (SSAB), the British High Commission office in Apia, and the Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA).
Supreme Court Justice Vui Clarence Nelson spoke at the special handover ceremony attended by Samoa’s Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo as well as Deputy Commissioner and head of prisons, Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga, who received the generous gifts.
Justice Vui thanked SSAB President and CEO Tofilau Fiti0 Leung Wai as well as the British High Commissioner to Samoa for their continuous efforts to improve the prison rehabilitation centre at Tanumalala prison. The Supreme Court justice spoke about the importance of rehabiliation and encouraged prisoners to make the most of the resources donated. Justice Vui also presented an envelope (teutusi meaalofa) with a cash donation on behalf of the Samoa judiciary.
SSAB President and CEO Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai thanked the British High Commmissioner to Samoa for the ongoing support. Tofilau said the British High Commission Office has become an important partner in their efforts to support Tanumalala, and never fail to respond when approached for assistance.
Last September, SSAB and the British High Commission Office partnered with SSAB to co-fund the rehabilitation study centre at Tanumalala. In June this year, SSAB IT staff delivered a Basic Computer Skills training course for Tanumalala inmates.
Tofilau’s mother, afioga Lino Fuimaono Stanley qas present at the handover ceremony. Tofilau said they had grown up seeing her mother always buying things to send to Tafaigata prison to help care for the prisoners. SSAB’s commitment to the work of the Prison ministry is a continuation of their mom’s passion and heart.
Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo expressed the Ministry’s appreciation for the ongoing support to Tanumalala’s rehabilitation programme.
Auapaau said the rehabilitation programme ensures prisioners are reintegrated back into society with changed mindsets, improved social development and skills for income earning opportunities so that they can contribute to society, their families and villages after serving time.
