NCDC Social Development Directorate has donated K50,000 worth of musical instruments and PA system to Bomana CS Prison to strengthen one of the institution's key rehabilitation programs that helps inmates reconnect with communities through the prison ministry outreach and awareness activities within Port Moresby.
While receiving the instruments on July 16th 2026, Bomana Prison Commanding Officer Chief Superintendent Yelly Oiufa thanked NCDC and said the donation would significantly strengthen the prison ministry and noted that ministry has changed a lot of inmates in Bomana and as become a key activity in rehabilitating inmates.
He said rehabilitation is about more than serving a prison sentence.
It is about helping inmates reflect on their actions, change their behaviour and prepare for life after prison and the ministry has played a significant role in that.
Chief Superintendent Oiufa said the prison ministry gives inmates an opportunity to share their testimony with communities through outreach, awareness programs in the city.
"We have to play our part in making the city a better place to live because many of the inmates who have come in here have already changed," he said.
He said one of the biggest challenges facing the ministry has been the lack of reliable musical equipment, with ageing instruments requiring constant repairs while transport and operational costs have limited outreach activities.
"There are many talented musicians inside but one thing that we needed badly was musical instruments because when live music is played during outreach programs in public areas, it attracts people and that's when the message can be shared with the wider community," he said.
Chief Superintendent Oiufa said the new equipment will now allow inmate rehabilitation teams to independently conduct outreach and community awareness programs across Port Moresby
Representing NCDC's Social Development Directorate, Director Benson Hahambu described the donation as another important step in the MOU between NCDC and Bomana Prison
"This presentation follows the dialogue that we have started as we move towards a solid partnership. The MOU is currently with our legal team for final vetting," he said.
Mr Hahambu said once the MoU is finalised, it will provide a framework for additional rehabilitation pathways
These include support for inmates who wish to continue their education through Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE), as well as opportunities under NCDC's Community Development Directorate to help former inmates transition into community-based contract work after their release.
"Within one of our divisions, we have pathways to support education. For inmates who want to continue with school, we can support them," he said.
The donation, made through the directorate's Family, Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (FGEWE) Branch.
Acting Manager for the Family, Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Branch Lucia Komatep said the donation reflects NCDC's commitment to building safer communities through rehabilitation.
She said the musical equipment will strengthen inmate outreach programs that promote respect for women and girls, peaceful communities, and responsible citizenship.
Ms Komatep said inmates' personal experiences carry powerful messages that can discourage crime and inspire positive behavioural change, particularly among young people.
She encouraged inmates to use the equipment responsibly and continue serving as ambassadors for rehabilitation within the community.
For Bomana Prison, the donation represents more than new musical instruments.
It strengthens one of the institution's key rehabilitation programs, using music, faith and community engagement to help inmates rebuild their lives while encouraging safer and stronger communities in Port Moresby
