To support the education of children of inmates at Chiayi Prison and to provide assistance to their families in difficult situations, Abbot Liao-Kong Wu-Yun of Zhenru Chan Temple generously donated NT$1 million. The donation will be used as scholarships and living subsidies for vulnerable families. A donation ceremony was held at the prison on April 10, during which Warden Tsai Ching-Yu presented a certificate of appreciation to express heartfelt gratitude. The prison acknowledges the temple’s longstanding commitment to public welfare and local care, turning compassion into tangible action and becoming a source of gentle and steadfast support for inmates' families.

“Although inmates are temporarily separated from society due to their mistakes, their families—especially their children—should not be deprived of the opportunity to receive an education and pursue their dreams. Likewise, their families should not have to weather the storm alone. Love must not be absent!” said Abbot Liao-Kong Wu-Yun during the ceremony, his words touching the hearts of all those present. He hopes that through this donation, children can pursue their education without worry. This year, additional funding has also been allocated to support family assistance and the reintegration of inmates into society, aiming to bring comfort and hope to these families.

The “Zhenru Chan Temple Master Liao-Kong Wu-Yun Scholarship” has been in place at Chiayi Prison since 2011 and has now entered its 15th year. To date, a total of NT$12 million has been donated, benefiting 1,733 families. In his speech, Warden Tsai Ching-Yu stated that Zhenru Chan Temple's benevolence not only ignites hope for the children’s education but also eases the financial burden on vulnerable families. A certificate of appreciation was specially presented to the temple in recognition of its long-term concern and support for inmates' families. It is also hoped that such kindness will draw more attention and resources from society, weaving a warm and protective network for families in need.

For the second semester of 2024, a total of 53 applicants were approved. The subsidy amounts are as follows: NT$2,000 for elementary school students, NT$4,000 for junior high school students, NT$7,000 for high school/vocational students, and NT$10,000 for university students. Inmates expressed their gratitude in thank-you letters: “With the Master’s assistance, my family has overcome financial difficulties, allowing my children to continue their studies. I am deeply grateful,” and “Though today is cold and windy, it feels as if sunlight has shone upon us. The compassionate deeds of the living bodhisattvas of Zhenru Chan Temple have warmed our hearts and brought relief to my family like rain after a long drought.”

This donation initiative has built a bridge of care among inmates, their families, and society. It allows love and hope to take root in the face of adversity, illuminating not only the future of the children and families but also every heart awaiting renewal.