The Commanding Officer of Bomana Correctional Institution, Chief Superintendent Yelly Oiufa, is encouraging businesses, government agencies and the wider Port Moresby community to support rehabilitation programs that help inmates prepare for life after prison.
Following last month’s donation of musical instruments to the Bomana Men’s Christian Ministry, Chief Superintendent Oiufa, in an interview with PNG Haus Bung, said rehabilitation programs play an important role in helping inmates develop positive change and prepare for reintegration into society.
He said inmates regularly take part in community restoration activities, including clean-up campaigns, law and order awareness programs and Christian outreach as part of their rehabilitation.
“They come here after committing crimes, they serve their sentence, and then they have to go back to the community. Part of the restoration program is to help the community by doing clean-ups or whatever they can do to support the community, showing that they are rehabilitated, they have changed, and they are ready to go back.”
Chief Superintendent Oiufa said Bomana Correctional Institution continues to work with the National Capital District Commission on community restoration programs, with plans for a citywide clean-up involving police, firefighters, correctional officers and inmates.
He said inmates are also involved in community awareness programs, including law and order awareness in schools and crime hotspot areas, as well as Christian outreach activities.
“Besides this, we go out to do law and order awareness programs in schools and public areas, mostly in those red zone areas where people don’t want to go because they are affected by crime. We go there to do community awareness and preach the good news.”
The Bomana Correctional Institution Commander also clarified that the newly donated musical instruments will only be used for Christian ministry activities and spiritual outreach programs.
“The instruments will specifically be used for church activities. If they go out for awareness programs, it will be for spiritual ministry outreach. We don’t allow them to be used for entertainment purposes such as school functions or social events.”
The musical instrument donation to the Bomana Men’s Christian Ministry adds to previous support from organizations including Kina Bank, which donated lawn mowers and brush cutters to assist inmates with maintaining prison grounds and supporting community clean-up activities.
Chief Superintendent Oiufa said partnerships with private sector organizations and community groups are important in strengthening rehabilitation efforts, as government resources alone cannot meet every need.
“We need community help. Sometimes the government cannot stretch that far to assist. When organizations come into support, it shows that you care for those living behind the bars.”
He encouraged more businesses, churches and organizations to support programs that help inmates develop skills, rebuild confidence and prepare for life after incarceration.
“Come in and support them. Show them that you care. These are people who will eventually return back into the community.”
