The Fusion of Charity and Art: Inmates' Reading and Creative Journey - Bade Minimum-Security Prison's Reading Reflection Writing Competition

To encourage inmates to participate in wholesome recreational activities, Bade Minimum-Security Prison collaborated with volunteers from the Tzu Chi Foundation to organize the "Magic Mask @ Future Chronicle - Reading Reflection Writing Contest." This competition aims to enhance inmates' literary and creative potential while promoting a broader perspective through writing. The event seeks to instill positive values, helping participants develop an optimistic outlook on life while upholding kindness.

    A total of 10 inmates submitted entries for the contest. After an initial review by the prison's teaching staff, the final evaluation was conducted by the department heads. The assessment criteria were based on the competition's theme of "Inspiration and Innovation," as well as "Content," "Rhetoric," and "Structure—including the neatness of handwriting." One inmate was awarded the top prize, two received second prizes, and two were recognized with honorable mentions.

Inmate Xiao Guo (pseudonym) shared that, although he is unsure about the existence of karma, he recognizes that a different mindset leads to different outcomes. He reflected that if he had remained calm and kind-hearted, he wouldn't have acted impulsively, leading to a fatal altercation with a neighbor over a trivial matter. The book mentioned that doing good is a way to save oneself, and through one's own kindness, one can find direction and conviction, preventing setbacks from dragging one into despair. Xiao Guo resonated deeply with these sentiments.

Warden Huang Hongxi of the prison remarked that reading is like a palette for life, not only adding color but also enhancing one's self-worth. Through reading, inmates can gain indirect experiences, broaden their horizons, and cultivate independent thinking and concentration, thereby improving self-awareness and building a unique and comprehensive value system. The Warden hopes that inmates can develop good reading habits through this event, find positive energy in books, and reflect on past mistakes. When they eventually return to society, they can face challenges with kindness as their guide.