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Young inmates of Cape Collinson Correctional Institution (CCCI) were today (October 22) presented with academic and vocational certificates at a ceremony in recognition of their efforts and willingness to turn over a new leaf.
A total of 49 CCCI inmates obtained 109 passes including 66 distinctions and credits in the City and Guilds examinations, the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination, and the examinations organised by the Construction Industry Council Training Academy.
They achieved good results in Chinese, English, Mathematics, Commerce, Social Studies, Travel and Tourism, Word Processing and Business Communication, computer applications, City and Guilds Vocational Qualifications and Construction Industry Council Training Academy Intermediate Trade Tests.
Speaking at the certificate presentation ceremony, the Superintendent of CCCI, Mr Kwong Yiu-wing said, "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has been enthusiastic in supporting offender rehabilitation. In 2004, it donated $1.1 million to set up the Jockey Club Inmates' Education Subsidy Scheme for four years. The scheme finances inmates in need to enrol in open examinations and distant learning courses. It benefited more than 500 inmates in the first three years."
Mr Kwong encouraged inmates to continue their efforts and further pursue their aspirations to increase their employment opportunities after release.
He thanked representatives from religious groups and voluntary agencies as well as other individuals for their contribution to CCCI's rehabilitation services over the years.
Mr Kwong also called on everyone in the community to continuously support offender rehabilitation for a safer and more inclusive society.
Also taking part in the ceremony were parents of the inmates, representatives of community organisations and celebrities as well as senior officers of the Correctional Services Department (CSD).
Situated at 123 Cape Collinson Road, Chai Wan, CSD's CCCI has a capacity of 192 penal places for young male offenders aged from 14 to under 21 who are ordered by court to undergo the training centre programme for an indeterminate period of six months to three years.
The department provides half-day compulsory education programmes and half-day vocational training for young offenders under age 2l. Guidance and assistance are also in place for adult offenders who participate in studies on a voluntary basis.
Ends/Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:37
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