By VERONICA MANUK
THE Jesus Centre Halfway House at Morata, National Capital District has received a donation of K3,840 from the British government for juvenile offenders undergoing rehabilitation programs.
Connect UK, in conjunction
British High Commissioner Simon Scanddan Presenting the cheque to one of the certre's board member, Vere Arava, while Pastor Lapa and Carole Grotrian fromConnect UK looks on.
with the British High Commission, presented the cheque yesterday at the British High Commission in Port Moresby.
Founding pastor of the centre Charles Lapa, when receiving the cheque said the aim of the centre is to rehabilitate and convert former criminals into good citizens.
He said since it was established in 1984, over 2000 youths had passed through the centre.
Pastor Lapa said: “Eighty per cent of these youths have gone back to their villages and become good citizens.”
He said, unfortunately, 20 per cent returning to a life of crime had ended up being killed by police or are back at the Bomana jail.
Pastor Lapa said the centre currently runs three program-agriculture, carpentry and CODE.
However, he said funding makes it difficult for the centre to cater for over 100 youths.
But Pastor Lapa said most of the youths were now working with companies and attending jobs as supervisors.
Pastor Lapa said the centre works closely with the Salvation Army and Hohola Youth Centre.
He said the first girls’ intake will begin shortly after the renovation work on the centre is completed.
The National Online Thursday 13thh February 2003
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