Pubdate: Mon, 22 Oct 2007
Source: National, The (New Guinea)
Copyright: 2007, The National
Contact:  http://www.thenational.com.pg/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/962

INMATES, FAMILIES WAR ON DRUGS

PRISON inmates, Correctional Service officers and  families are now
prepared to take the fight against  drug abuse head on.

This comes after a successful two-month course on  character
development, drug, education and awareness  which saw 73 participants
including 64 juveniles and  four female prisoners graduate with
certificates last  Friday at the Bomana CS Institute, outside Port
Moresby.

This effort will be further boosted with the visit of  eight-time
taekwando black belt holder and movie star  Chuck Norris' in March
next year.

A participant, Peter Toki from Oro province currently  serving 18
years which ends next year, said being in  prison was a waste of time
as this time could have been  better spent with families back home.

Toki, who had attended 10 certificates programmes held  at the
institute, said through the course they  (prisoners) had leant the
effects of drug on  individuals.

Toki said they were now ready to conduct awareness in  Port Moresby
once the CS management gave the go signal.

Some CS officers and volunteers from the Bomana  community also
received certificates for participating  with the prisoners.

The inmates, who underwent training with Family Action  Violence
Committee, acknowledged the support of  Detainee Rehabilitation
division at CS headquarters.
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MAP posted-by: Derek