Source: OT-Team(G)，上海市监狱管理局
Recently, the Qingpu Prison in Shanghai released its new set of "Reform Proverbs" for the upcoming year. Qingpu Prison's No. 8 district is the only facility in Shanghai designated for the incarceration of adult male foreign offenders. Many of the prison officers here are equipped with advanced English skills or have studied abroad. Facing offenders from diverse nationalities, skin colors, cultures, and religions, the officers strive to break down communication barriers and bridge emotional distances. For the officers at Qingpu Prison, managing and educating foreign offenders is both challenging and rewarding. Beyond language, the cultural and ideological differences of foreign inmates present significant hurdles. To help these inmates find the right path, the officers use a variety of sayings—sometimes stern, sometimes gentle, and sometimes profound—to guide them. The English version of these reform proverbs reflects the officers' daily work in managing and educating foreign offenders. They represent valuable wisdom and accumulated experience from their ongoing efforts.- "The most uncompromising principle is that all men are equal in the eyes of the law, regardless of our nationalities."—— Officer Zhang Duyu, Foreign Offender Management
Note: This reflects the basic principle in Chinese prison management that all offenders are equal before the law, no matter their nationality or status. Officers remind foreign offenders that once they enter prison, they must face legal consequences, follow the officers' management, and adhere to Chinese laws for the rest of their time in China.2."Although customs and laws may be different in our homelands, one rule we all must abide by here is peace and respect."—— Officer Li Bin, Foreign Offender Management Note: For newly incarcerated foreign offenders, the officers often begin with a straightforward approach. This message emphasizes that the prison is a shared space for all offenders, regardless of their origin or culture. Inmates must learn to respect others and maintain order within the prison. This establishes a tone of mutual respect while setting the foundation for future management.3."Not only is this a place for reformation, it is even more a platform for cultural exchange."—— Officer Feng Shuo, Foreign Offender Management Note: For prison officers, cultural differences are both an obstacle and an opportunity for communication and education. Officers actively organize cultural activities, such as festivals, art creation, and theatrical performances, to help foreign offenders understand and appreciate Chinese culture. These experiences build mutual understanding, and over time, cultural differences within the prison have transformed from barriers into opportunities for harmonious coexistence.4."Here, regardless of the country you're from, the color of your skin, we all need others' help and respect. But keep in mind, true respect is earned, not given."—— Officer Huang Yiqin, Foreign Offender Management Note: This powerful statement encourages foreign offenders to reflect on their actions while serving their sentences. It guides them to understand that, despite their situation, they still have the power to change their fate. Officers strive to awaken the offenders' self-respect, motivating them to sincerely repent and earn the respect of others and society.5."Language is a bridge of communication, while knowledge is the key to change our destiny. Here, you're given the opportunity to learn new languages, master new skills, so that we can create a better future for ourselves."—— Officer Gu Shen, Foreign Offender Management
Note: Education and learning are key to reform and preventing reoffending, and this applies to foreign offenders as well. Officers encourage them to view their prison term as a time to learn, acquire new languages and skills, and improve their adaptability and self-worth. This not only helps them reintegrate into society, but also opens new doors for their future.
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