As Chinese New Year is approaching, to let inmates experience the festive atmosphere, receive the message of care and support from society and be more encouraged for their rehabilitation, the Correctional Services Bureau and Caritas Macau are organizing a Chinese New Year Party for inmates in the Male Detention Zone of Coloane Prison on three consecutive days starting 18 January. Inmates, arranged to attend in five groups, spend quality time together in the Party amid the festive atmosphere.
On the first day of the Party, guests in attendance included representatives from a number of government departments and non-profit organizations. Guests such as the Secretary for Security, Mr. Wong Sio Chak; Judges of the Court of Second Instance, Mr. Chan Kuong Seng and Mr. Tong Hio Fong; Chief of Office of the Secretary for Security, Ms. Cheong Ioc Ieng; Secretary General of Caritas Macau, Mr. Pun Chi Meng; as well as the Director of Correctional Services Bureau, Mr. Cheng Fong Meng, together held an eye-dotting ceremony, unveiling the Chinese New Year Party.
All inmates attending the Party are provided with the Chinese New Year treats, courtesy of Caritas Macau, as they enjoy the fantastic performances from a total of 131 of their fellows. Starting several months prior, inmates working in front of and behind the stage have been actively brainstorming, preparing, studying and rehearsing for their respective performances, as their own form of thank-you to the society for the support and encouragement. In the Party, the performing inmates give their best efforts to bring one-of-a-kind entertainment including lion dance, martial arts, dance, magic tricks and original song renditions, garnering applause from the guests in attendance, which affirms the recognition for their talents.
The Correctional Services Bureau and Caritas Macau organize the Chinese New Year Party for inmates every year to send festive greetings and blessings to inmates and let them experience the love and care from the society. The Bureau also hopes that engagement in the rehearsals and performances would allow inmates to bring their creativity and strong suits into full play and develop a stronger determination for self-reform. Moreover, the Party will hopefully serve as a reminder for inmates that perseverance is what it takes to conquer the obstacles encountered in the path toward rehabilitation and a new life back in the society.
