Thursday 30 September 2021, Apia Samoa. The British High Commission in Apia have come on board to partner with Samoa Stationery and Books to co-fund a Rehabilitation Study Centre for Tanumalala Prison.
An agreement was signed this morning between SSAB President and CEO Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai and Acting British High Commissioner H.E Ian Richards.
The official agreement formalises the British High Commission’s contribution of WST $10,000.00 to the project.
Mr Richards said, “The British High Commission is very pleased to be able to contribute to this worthy project, and delighted to be working with such reputable partners in SSAB;
“Having visited Tanumalala prison this week I have seen for myself the dedicated work that is being done there, and how much the addition of this library will add to the lives of the inmates.”
The Rehabilitation Education Centre aims to contribute in a positive way to both the mental
and physical wellbeing of the inmates. There will be access to a range of recreational and
educational resources to encourage reading amongst the inmates as part of their rehabilitation.
There is also a centre space to be used for training, awareness programmes and capacity building sessions for inmates.
CEO Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai reiterated SSAB’s commitment to literacy and education initiatives for people of all ages, “It has always been SSAB’s heart from its inception; to support literacy and education hence our willingness to support this great project for inmates at Tanumalala Prisons. The Rehabilitation Education Centre will help support rehabilitation programs and activities carried out by the Samoa Prison
Services.”
Tofilau continues, “SSAB was one of the donors for the library when it opened in 2018 for inmates at Tafa’igata Prison. I wish to acknowledge the tremendous support from His Excellency Mr Ian Richards and the British High Commission.”
The centre is scheduled to open in November 2021 during the international 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
