An Tanumalala Prison inmate currently serving a three-year sentence has praised an art project initiative launched on Thursday for prisoners as part of their rehabilitation.

Vitolio Junior Usoali'i of Tulaele, whose artwork were on display on Thursday during the official launching of the inaugural art project at Tanumalala, told the Samoa Observer that he appreciates the initiative. 

"Painting and drawing was what I used to do for some time back in my early 20s," Mr. Usoali'i. "But when I started working I had completely abandoned the talent and had never touched a brush and paint until this programme.

"I never thought I would get back to it. However, I guess it's true what they say that things happen for a reason, and I am a believer that this has reminded me of how we must always make good use of our God-given talents."

With a smile on his face, Mr. Usoali'i said that he finds a lot of joy in his painting while he is serving time, as it also gives him time to reflect on the stories he wants to tell through his art. 

"All of those who know me inside out understand that I am not a talkative person," he added. 

"I don't say much and I usually just nod and smile when people talk to me or ask me about anything. But I prefer telling stories and expressing myself through the work of art. 

"Any artist can understand the joy it brings when seeing your emotions and expressions on a canvas."

He further added that with this project, he has just opened a new chapter in his life while serving time, though he admitted that being in prison was hard. 

"Not only does it affect you as a person physically but also mentally. The fact that you are here to serve your time is hard enough and it's devastating having to go through all the difficulties in here. 

"But with this project, it has helped me cope with the pain of being in here and this indeed has started a new chapter in my life. It has given me another chance to develop this talent God had blessed me with. 

"I had abandoned it and I did not think I would ever paint again. However, we are taught that God is a God of second chances and I believe this is God's way of saying that I should pursue the talents given to us and utilise it for his glory. 

"I can never express how thankful I am to the people who started this project and are sponsoring this project."

In saying that, Mr. Usoali'i said that it took him only two months to work on five different canvas for the official launching of this project. 

"All paintings have different stories behind it and the inspiration to work on those painting were drawn from the experiences and struggles I go through during my time here. 

"Also, the paintings were inspired by previous experience and the life I had lived before I was sentenced. The time I am away from my family, the moments I am missing out on while I am in here and the challenges I face on a daily basis. 

"Those are the things that have inspired me to draw these paintings."

Promising to make good use of this opportunity to further develop his talent, Mr. Usoali'i believes he can now contribute to his family's well being and earn a living. 

"I will make good use of this project and learn more skills so that when I am out of prison, I will use this to earn money for my family and earn a living. 

"I know that it might be difficult to get a job once I am out of prison, but with this project I am positive that I will be able to contribute to the development of my family.

"This project is giving me hope and making me realise that it is never the end of the road for us. That there is always another chance for us if we repent from our sins. 

"And I truly believe that this is God's way of helping me out of the darkest chapter in my life and giving me another chance to live a good life again."