The British High Commission Apia will co-fund a Rehabilitation Education Centre at the Tanumalala Prison, in partnership with Samoa Stationery and Books (SSAB).
Today, Acting British High Commissioner H.E Ian Richards and CEO of SSAB Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai, signed the official agreement for 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 is being done there, and how much the addition of this library will add to the lives of the inmates.”
The Rehabilitation Education Centre will contribute to a positive means of both mental and physical wellbeing for inmates.
There will be access to a range of recreational and educational resources that encourage reading for pleasure and informal learning.
The centre space will be used to conduct training, awareness and capacity building sessions for inmates.
CEO Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai reiterates 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 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.