By Min Liu
An achievement exhibition of rehabilitation and occupational training took place on January 12th at the basketball court of the Taipei Detention Center (TDC). “Emerging from the Cocoon to a New Life and Spreading Wings of Hope” was the theme of the event.
The day happened to be hit by a frigid cold front. Though it was stinging cold, the event was filled with warmth. There were volunteers who were Buddhists, Christians, and social workers from social welfare groups. ADLINK Education Foundation was one of the volunteer groups. People were all there to help the inmates.
Leader Radio Station, established in the TDC, is the first and the only demonstration radio station nationwide. Its audience is the inmates of the detention center. This is part of the rehabilitation work. If the outcome is positive, it will be implemented in other prisons and detention centers as well.
The Project Planning Director of ADLINK, Huier, and I visit and volunteer at the center to record programs every month. The program contents range from inspiring stories to life stories told by the handicapped. It has now been two years since we began serving as volunteer radio program hosts. In the program, we often say that many of you might complain about how much you have suffered from the loss of your physical freedom without realizing how blessed you are compared to people with disabilities. After all,one day you can regain your freedom when you are finally released from detention. On the contrary, most of the disabled can never be freed from their disabilities. Even though their physical condition is restrained, their souls and minds are positive and free.
Hopefully the message can empower the inmates to learn from the disabled the spirit of “breaking through the barriers and
cherishing life,” and not turn into someone who is physically healthy but who is spiritually unhealthy.
