Prisoners learn to speak Chinese

Teacher says class of 30 inmates very enthusiastic in learning the language

KARACHI:

A class of 30 students sat intently learning the basic greetings in Chinese, it could be any Chinese language class, however this one was in Karachi Central Jail.

As per Sindh Prisons Department officials various measures are being taken in the jails across the province to make the prisoners skilled and to reform them to become better members of the community.

In this regard, Karachi Central Jail authorities have started Chinese language course for prisoners, they said, adding that an introductory course has been designed which includes phrases that are used in everyday life.

Initially 30 inmates have taken admission in this course which has been started in Central Jail.

The prisoners in the course have been provided books and other literature of Chinese language.

A man conducts a Chinese language class at the Karachi Central Jail. PHOTO: EXPRESS

The class has written short sentences on the board such as Hello, Good Morning, Good Afternoon, asking about the situation.

At the end of the class, the inmates are given the practice of communicating with each other in Chinese.

Chinese language teachers say they are being well received by inmates and the response they have received has been higher than expected.

Prisoners have a passion for learning Chinese, they are learning the language with great enthusiasm.

Initially they are taught short sentences.

The first basic course is designed for six months, after which the advanced course will be launched.

The phased course will then be extended so that prisoners can speak Chinese fluently.

Teachers said that various prisoners are performing but one prisoner named Hamza is at the top in speaking, writing and communication.

Karachi Central Jail Senior Superintendent Muhammad Hassan Sehto said that a Chinese language course has been started for rehabilitation of prisoners so that they can become useful and productive citizens of society when they are released from jail.

Sehto said that he was trying his best to ensure that every inmate learns some or the other skill while incarcerated in the jail and he came up with the idea of Chinese language course.

Sehto said he sought approval from higher authorities under existing laws for teaching Chinese language to prisoners.

After obtaining permission, qualified Chinese language teachers were hired.

He said that initially some prisoners agreed to take part in Chinese language learning course.

However, when they returned and shared their experience with other fellow prisoners in the barracks, the number of inmates learning Chinese language has reached 30.

Sehto added that inmates are also taught various skills in jail, including making furniture.

In addition, inmates are taught to play various musical instruments in fine arts classes conducted at the prison.

Prisoners also took part in painting training.

He said that so far paintings of many prisoners have been presented in exhibition through which they have earned thousands of rupees.