As high school students across the country prepare for another challenging school year, one teenager from Kitchener, Ontario, is focused on a different mission: getting books into the hands of inmates. Feiyang Luo, a soon-to-be Grade 12 student at Cameron Heights Collegiate, has taken it upon himself to collect and donate hundreds of books to help over 500 inmates in correctional facilities nationwide.
In an interview with CBC Kitchener-Waterloo’s The Morning Edition, Luo expressed his motivation behind the initiative. He highlighted the unfortunate correlation between lower socio-economic status, lack of access to education, and high offense rates in certain communities. By providing inmates with educational resources like books, Luo hopes to address this issue and make a positive impact on their lives.
Luo’s journey began with Bright Pages, a project he co-founded with a friend to ensure that prisoners have access to books in libraries across Ontario. As a student trustee at the Waterloo Region District School Board, Luo’s passion for education plays a significant role in his dedication to providing inmates with quality reading materials.
The importance of education in transforming lives is a driving force behind Luo’s efforts. Through discussions with his friend Anthony, Luo recognized the need to bridge the gap in educational opportunities for individuals in correctional facilities. This led to the idea of collecting and donating books to help inmates expand their knowledge and engage in meaningful reading.
While Luo’s mission may seem unique, the concept of providing books to prisoners is not new. Jane Crosby, co-chair of Books 2 Prisoners Ottawa, has been involved in similar work for over a decade. She emphasizes the impact of receiving a book from a stranger, noting that it can mean a great deal to someone in isolation. Crosby acknowledges the challenges of running such programs but believes that the rewards outweigh the difficulties.
One of the key benefits of Luo’s initiative is the diverse range of books that are being sent to inmates. Depending on the preferences of each correctional facility, different types of books are recommended for donation. From popular fiction titles like Percy Jackson to educational textbooks and self-help books, Luo ensures that inmates have access to a variety of reading materials to suit their interests and needs.
The feedback from inmates who have received books from Bright Pages has been overwhelmingly positive. Messages expressing gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to escape through reading have touched Luo’s heart. Knowing that his efforts have made a difference in the lives of others motivates him to continue his mission of providing educational resources to those in need.
In conclusion, Feiyang Luo’s dedication to getting books into the hands of inmates is a testament to the power of education and the impact of literature on individuals, regardless of their circumstances. Through Bright Pages, Luo is not only expanding access to books but also offering hope and inspiration to those who need it most.