Qiandongnan Prefecture: "Sunshine" on Miaoling Mountain (5)

So far, in the villages and townships of the Miao and Dong ethnic groups, a sustenance environment of equality and free of discrimination has been provided for the special group of people that have kicked the drug habits but face difficulties integrating into society. The employees of the “Sunshine Enterprises” support themselves through their own labor, enjoy a socialized normal life, comprehensively carry out physiologic and psychological rectification, and raise their labor skills to integrate into society.

Self-Employment Chapter: Let the drug rehab persons find value in themselves and the meaning of life while producing value for the society.

Gong Jian is busy cleaning cars for the customers in Sunshine Car Washing Shop of Sansui County. He is the founding member of the shop.

August 2001, Gong Jian started to use heroin seduced by his friends and was sent for compulsory treatment that lasted six months. In August 2007, he was again sent to Qindong Prefecture Labor Camp for two years’ labor education because of relapse. In the labor camp, Gong Jian reflected upon his past and felt very sorry for his parents and his girlfriend who is still with him, as well as felt sorry for himself. In September 2009, Gong Jian was released from the labor camp. He and his girlfriend went to Zhejiang for temporary works in order to avoid the past drug “friends”. After a vagrant year, Gong Jian felt happy despite of the meager wages. In October 2011, Gong Jian and his wife opened a steamed goods store in Milan Square in Sansui County. His store specially offered steamed vegetables and desserts. In November 2011, Sansui County started the construction work of the “Sunshine Project”. Gong Jian did not hesitate to join and started to work as the accountant for the "Sunshine Electronics Factory”. December 2011, under the concern and help of the County Party Committee and the County Government, Gong prepared for the establishment of "Sunshine Car Washing Shop”. Now, the car washing shop enjoys booming business. Gong not only leads a steadfast and sweet life but also get along harmoniously and friendly with other employees.