The Tainan Association for the Care of Prison Inmates (hereinafter referred to as the Association), in its ongoing efforts to promote religious education among inmates and to help them draw spiritual strength from faith, has organized nationwide essay competitions on reflections from transcribing the Book of Proverbs and reading the Bible. On September 15, Chiayi Prison, Agency of Corrections, Ministry of Justice, held an award ceremony for inmates of the prison who received recognition in these competitions. The ceremony was attended by Ms. Chen Shu-Lan, Secretary-General of the Association, and Mr. Lee Yuan-Jue, a member of the Board of Directors. The atmosphere was both warm and solemn.

Prior to the ceremony, Secretary-General Chen addressed the award-winning inmates, noting that the Book of Proverbs contains profound wisdom and life philosophy. Through transcription and reading, inmates are encouraged to engage in self-reflection, learn from mistakes, and discover new directions for the future. She expressed her hope that every inmate would, through the nourishment of faith and scripture, cultivate goodwill, and gradually practice a life of repentance and renewal.

Participation in the essay competitions was not limited to Christians; all inmates seeking peace of mind were welcome. This inclusiveness attracted broad participation. Through the calm process of writing and reading, inmates not only trained their concentration but also experienced the wisdom of “a gentle answer turns away wrath, and kind words heal the heart.” Many submissions conveyed genuine remorse and a deep longing for a new life, leaving a moving impression on all.

During the ceremony, Section Chief Huang Chia-Wei of the Education Section, on behalf of the Warden, presented certificates of merit to each award recipient, offering affirmation and encouragement. Secretary-General Chen Shu-Lan and Director Lee Yuan-Jue further expressed their hope that the honored inmates would continue transcribing and reading the Bible, thereby learning to maintain inner peace, respect others, and—upon release—face society with honesty and integrity, regaining the trust of their families.

Chiayi Prison emphasized that religion plays a vital role in inmate rehabilitation. It not only provides spiritual guidance and inner peace but also helps establish positive values to prevent recidivism. This event highlighted the importance of social resources in supporting correctional work. Looking ahead, the prison will continue to collaborate with community organizations to provide diverse educational and religious programs, assisting inmates in reforming themselves and moving toward a better life.