更生計劃之美麗人生 @ 荔枝角懲教署

今天出席了香港美髮美容商會與懲教署合辦 " 更生計劃之美麗人生 " 活動 ..

此計劃是商會特別給予囚人仕提供髮型及美甲課程 , 日後更提供就業機會, 待她們再踏入社會時可以積極人生 ..

 今天二十名學員畢業了 , 商會及懲教署邀請我們四位出席她們的畢業典禮 ..

 與學員見面前 , 因保安問題 , 除銀包証件外其如物品也要keep在懲教專員看守 ..

步入五樓的髮型室 .. 眼前是ニ十名學員 .. 她們禮貌地向我們微笑 .. 一個真誠的微笑 ..

起初她們是害羞的 , 不敢交談 ..

其實我是明白的 .. 在這段日子她們是很少機會接觸到外來的人 ..

很快 , 她們便放下枷鎖 , 向我們發問之外更坦率地告知我們內心的感受 ..

印象較深刻的 , 有一學員很擔心再踏入社會時 , 外人對她們的目光 , 就像找工作的問難 , 究竟應否告知僱主自己曾是犯過罪行的人呢 ??

45分鐘的會面交談很快完結 , 最後我們四人跟她們每位拍照留念 ..

跟第一位學員拍照時 , 我用手放在她肩膀上 , 她是開心的 ..

只是一個簡單的動作 , 我想給她們知道我是沒有用別的眼光看待你們 .. 我不是藝人 , 你們不是囚人 .. 我用行動讓你們知道我是願意親近你 ..

如是者接下來的每一位我也是 .. 後來有一學員把手放在我腰後 ..

那刻我是開心 .. 因為我知道我們今天的出現 , 確實地帶給她們温暖及支持 ..

大合唱 " 朋友 " 一曲後 , 會面時間亦結束了 ..

隨後的記者招待會 , 由於有傳媒出席 , 畢業學員不會出席此部份 ..

我們四人先後分享探訪學員後的感受 , 並獲商會及懲教署致送的感謝狀 ..

一個深刻的體驗 .. 2008年1月31日

I've attended the Beautiful Life rehabilitation program organized by Hong Kong Haircare Association and Correctional Centre today.

This project was founded by the association in order to provide haircare and beauty courses for convicted prisoners.  The purpose for this program is to provide them a job opportunity once their term in prison is completed and they can get back into running their lives.

Today, there were over 20 students graduating from the course.  The association and the correctional facilities had invited the four of us to their graduation ceremony..

Before I met with the students, all of my belongings (with the exception of wallets and identification documents) had to be kept with a staff member of the correctional centre for safety purposes.

When I stepped into salon room on the fifth floor, I see 20 students.  They all politely smiled towards me.  It's a very genuine smile.

They were shy at first and didn't dare to get into a conversation...

But I think it's understandable.  They didn't have alot of chances to have contact with people from the outside in that period of time.

They were removed from their chains very quickly and bluntly told us about their reaction & feelings

It left a deep impression to me.  One student was worried how outsiders will view them once released back into society and the difficulties of job-hunting.  Should they tell their employer that they've broken the law before?

The 45 minute chat and meeting was soon to be finished.  Finally, the four of us took a photo with each of them as a souvenir..

When I took a photo with the first student, I had my hand on her shoulder and it made her very happy.

Through a simple movement like that, I wanted to show them that I'm not viewing you people indifferently.  I'm not an artist and you're not a prisoner either.  We're showing you that we're willing to get close with you...

I've done the same for each and every graduating student.  One of the students even put her hand behind my waist.

I was happy at that moment because I know our presence today had brought them alot of warmth and support...

The meeting was finished when we all sang Alan Tam's "Friend" together ..

We then had a press conference.  Due to the fact that the media was attending the event, the graduating students won't be taking part in this portion of the event.

We shared our moments with the students to the press and accepted a certificate of appreciation from the association and the correctional facility.

A memorable experience...January 31st, 2008