64 Corrections Officers take part in the Correctional Practice (Level 5) Programme at FNU

Posted On: February 5, 2025

Tonga Correction Services and Fiji Corrections Services officers taking part in the inaugural Certificate in Correctional Practice (Level 5) programme at the Fiji National University (FNU) Nasinu Campus.

A total of 64 corrections officers from Fiji and Tonga are currently taking part in Certificate in Correctional Practice (Level 5) at the Fiji National University (FNU) Nasinu Campus.

The programme includes four recruits from the Tonga Correction Services and a Senior Officer as their Liaison Officer.

Rusiate Vakaloloma, Head of School for Economics and Finance at FNU, says the course aims to enhance the skills of correctional officers.

“This programme enhances the educational foundation of FCS recruits and also equips them with vital skills in Computing and Communications and Economics,” Vakaloloma said.

“During this time, the participants will engage in daily sessions that include internships and hands-on courses.”

The programme started on 08 December 2024 at the Naboro Corrections Academy and aims to provide professional training for correctional officers.

The officers have already completed four courses at the Corrections Academy before moving to Nasinu to continue.

“Only two courses will be taught at Nasinu in the next three weeks, before moving back to Corrections Academy for the completion of the other two courses,” Vakaloloma added.

“This is just the beginning; we are eager to expand this programme across the Pacific in the future.”

In addition, on Monday, 17 February, FNU will open the Pacific Centre for Border Management and Security (PCBMS) in Namaka, which will also welcome various security institutions, including the Fiji Corrections Services.

The Pacific Centre for Border Management & Security is a partnership between Fiji National University (FNU) and the Centre of Customs and Excises Studies (CCES) from Charles Sturt University in Canberra. Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) is also a key partner in this milestone.

With initiatives like these, the improvement of correctional services in the region is well underway, which will ultimately benefit the communities.

The four recruits are taking significant steps toward a brighter future in correctional management, not just in Tonga but throughout the Pacific.

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