Prison journal spells out good news

Odoh is an enthusiastic contributor to a journal that is making headlines for all the right reasons.

The Nigerian citizen wrote 45 articles last year for the four-page journal published in Panyu Prison, Guangzhou, Guangdong province.

Fourteen of his articles were used in the journal, published in English and Chinese, and his hard work was recognized with an award from the prison authority.

"I wrote on life, endurance, love and family. I encouraged people to have patience in life," Odoh said.

He was happy to receive "gifts" such as the paper and pens provided by the prison administration for writing, and payment for the articles used.

"Since I entered prison, I realized the only way to get ready for the future is to learn," he said. "I learned a lot (from the journal) about Chinese culture and I learned how to associate with inmates.

"It's good to read about the prison, about people in prison and how to pay attention to rehabilitation. I also like reading about Chinese law."

The prison has been taking foreigners since 2009 and more than 100 of them are inmates.

The journal was launched in March last year in response to this.

"The Panyu Prison Newspaper boosts the education and rehabilitation of foreign inmates," said prison warden He Fang.

"It helps foreign inmates adjust to the environment of the prison and speeds up their rehabilitation."

Correctional officer Yan Xiaohong agreed.

"We felt that due to the differences in culture and understanding, English content in the journal would be necessary for better education and rehabilitation.

"Although we promoted Chinese law at meetings and by video, we had to do more to help the foreign inmates," he explained. "A paper is convenient as it can be read repeatedly.