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“I am currently writing a story on my life experience so that people my age will read and know what I have gone through”. “There are many out there who have come across similar circumstances, I want them to know about me and realize what life is”. Twenty-three year old Solomone Ligadamudamu is enthusiastic to be discharged and begin a new life. A participating inmate in the Yellow Ribbon Program’s creative writing, Solomone is currently writing a novel on his life experience. As the newly launched Yellow Ribbon Program’s main objective is generating acceptance of ex-offenders and their families into the community, Solo is determined to utilize this privilege. Fiji Prisons and Corrections Services have been assiduously working on the Yellow Ribbon Programme for the betterment of the inmates and have been offering educational programmes to the inmates. One very interesting one is Creative Writing. Officer In charge Mr Harry Nath said there are about eight inmates participating in creative writing under the Yellow Ribbon Programme. The educational program has been mainly looked after by Officer Goneqea. Mr Goneqea conveyed that tutors from the University of the South Pacific conduct the creative writing classes. This has been an immense opportunity for some inmates. Amongst the eight participants, Solo finds it a great prospective to have the opportunity to enhance his knowledge in writing skills. Initially he was in the Vaturekuka Prison in Labasa when imprisoned for four years. Solo was then transferred to the Nasinu Prison where he had the opportunity to undergo rehabilitation programs such as the YRP. Originating from the village of Wailevu in SavuSavu, the young offender is the eldest of five siblings. For Solomone, the Yellow Ribbon Program is indeed a great opportunity. “It has made me realize my value and what I need to do in life”, he said. The Yellow Ribbon Program focuses on the inspiring of community action to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-offenders into society. Some of the work that Solomone is currently doing involves writing short stories, novel on his personal experiences and poetry. “The Yellow Ribbon Programs Creative writing class inspired me to write what I went through”, Solo said. He agrees with the aims of the Programme that intends to assist ex-convicts with a desire to change, and brings in the sense of realization for those who take responsibility for their own actions and are trying their best to persevere and earn back the trust from others. Solomone is tenacious that one day he will be a free man, starting his own farm and live a life with his loved ones like anybody else in the community. What he looks forward to is just a second chance. -END- Sharila Lazarus Information Officer Office of the Attorney-General |
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