| Shuqin Zhang was a Class One supervisor within the Chinese prison system. She has also been a journalist focusing on prison related issues. Through interviews with inmates and guards, Shuqin realized that many children were left to fend for themselves after their parents were convicted and sentenced. These children have often turned to begging or crime in order to survive. Many children are threatened by hunger, disease, torture and death. As a mother, Shuqin was particularly pained to see these homeless children who were often the victims of discrimination and neglect.
By providing care for their children, Shuqin also hopes that she can help increase the peace of mind for many convicts during their time in prison. Her key aim is that the children should be able to grow healthily rather than becoming a burden of society. Despite intense pressure, Shuqin established the first children’s village in Shanxi Province in 1996. Todaty, Shuqin has established six Children’s Villages for the children of convicts. Over the course of the last 14 years, she has helped over 2000 children.
|
