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The following press release supersedes GIS990107018 issued at 4.30 pm today (Thursday). Please note that a paragraph is added at the end of the press release.

The full text of the press release is as follow:

CE visits institution for young offenders

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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa today (Thursday) visited Cape Collinson Correctional Institution to see the various education and vocational training programmes designed to provide young offenders with better learning and work skills.

Accompanied by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Raymond Lai Ming-kee, Mr Tung visited the computer-cum-language laboratory, a dormitory, the dinning hall and kitchen and several vocational training workshops.

The Chief Executive was briefed by the Superintendent, Mr Ying Kwok-ching on the regime of the institution which focuses on training and reformation value of detention with emphasis on productive activities and character building for inmates, that aims at facilitating the reintegration of inmates into the community as law-abiding citizens.

In addition to education and vocational training, the Character Development Programme provides inmates with the opportunity to participate in numerous activities such as scouting, joining courses at the Outward Bound School and performing in the institution's marching band.

Cape Collinson Correctional Institution currently has 156 inmates between the age of 14 and 18, who are serving sentences ranging from six months to three years.

The Chief Executive was told that the equipment in the computer-cum-language laboratory was a donation of $2.1 million by the Hong Kong Jockey Club to provide inmates with the opportunity to enhance their computer knowledge and improve their language skills.

At the vehicle body repair workshop, Mr Tung observed young inmates being taught the practical skills of auto repair and maintenance.

During his tour of various workshops, the Chief Executive was informed that workshops provide training in practical trades which will be useful to inmates in finding employment after release such as mechanical craft, carpentry, pipe-fitting, and electrical fitting and installation.

In the pipe-fitting workshop, Mr Tung had a chat with some of the inmates about their training and the values of learning a trade for their future.

The Chief Executive encouraged the young inmates to do their utmost to reform so that they could rejoin society as law-abiding citizens.

"Although you have gone the wrong way, it is not the end of the world. Your future can still be bright and hopeful as long as you are determined to return to the right path and strive constantly to improve yourselves. I hope you will treasure every learning opportunity here so that you will become more confident and be better equipped to open a bright future for yourselves when you re-join society," he said.

End/Thursday, January 7, 1999

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