NGO Introduces Poultry Farming to Inmates
FIJI - Vaturekuka Corrections Facility has introduced poultry farming as an income-generating project for inmates.The Fiji Times Online reports that six inmates are engaged in the programme.
Pacific Counselling and Social Services (PCSS) in line with the Yellow Ribbon Project constructed a chicken shed to cater for up to 400 meat birds.
The PCSS also gave 200 day-old chicks for the project.
Facility supervisor northern Sakiusa Veiwili said the project would help inmates get back on their feet upon release.
"This is a positive start for the inmates because they will have an idea of what to do after they are released," Mr Veiwili said.
"Those who are trained in poultry farming here will also be assisted with the supply of chicks by PCSS to start a small business. The PCSS will also monitor the progress of their farms.
"Such support is highly appreciated by the corrections facility and we thank all those who turned out in numbers to support the launch of the Yellow Ribbon Project last Saturday."
The profit from the sale of chickens would be shared among the selected prisoners and used as funds to set up small businesses once they were released, Mr Veiwili said.
PCSS income generation project co-ordinator Sanjeet Singh said the project would build skills and capacity of the prisoners to aid successful reintegration into society and to reduce the recidivism rate.