Inmates at the Port Vila correctional facility are transforming their lives through art, thanks to a dedicated volunteer from New Zealand. The female volunteer has been working closely with the prisoners, teaching them how to paint, draw, and create crafts using simple tools.

The initiative has sparked newfound creativity among the inmates, with several of them producing beautiful artwork.

“This is not their first program,” Says Johnny Marango, Director of the Vanuatu Correctional Services.

“These individuals have had other projects including joinery training where they produced items such as furniture,” he says.

Some of their paintings have been displayed at the Children’s Ward at the Vila Central Hospital, brightening the environment for young patients. Others have been showcased at the Ministry of Justice, demonstrating the prisoners’ growing skills and talents.

This art program is not just about creating, but also about equipping the inmates with valuable skills they can use once they complete their sentences. With the encouragement and support of the volunteer, the inmates are developing abilities that could open doors to a future outside the prison walls. Many of them hope to continue their craft after their release, using art as a means of personal expression and potential income.

By transforming their energy into creative projects, the inmates are proving that even in the most challenging environments, there is always potential for growth and change.