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A total of 44 prisoners were presented with academic certificates at a ceremony in Shek Pik Prison (SPP) today (November 12) in recognition of their academic achievements.
In 2008 they passed 64 examination papers of The Open University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination, City and Guilds examinations, LCCI International Qualifications and Putonghua Proficiency Test, and obtained a total of 23 distinctions and credits.
The prisoners sat for a variety of examinations on subjects such as languages, mathematics, business, information technology and accounting.
Presenting certificates to the prisoners, the Director of the EMBA Programme in the Department of Marketing of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Professor Andrew Chan, said SPP prisoners' overall pass rate in public examinations during the year had shown their enthusiasm in studying and SPP's success in motivating learning among prisoners.
"I realise that the proportion of SPP prisoners enrolled in courses of The Open University of Hong Kong is the highest among all penal institutions.
"The Correctional Services Department's efforts and achievements in rehabilitation of prisoners are well-recognised and commended by the community," Professor Chan said.
He encouraged the prisoners to further pursue their aspirations so as to facilitate their reintegration into the community and to serve the public.
Also taking part in the ceremony were representatives of community organisations and celebrities as well as the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Kwok Leung-ming.
As part of its continuous efforts to rehabilitate offenders, the Correctional Services Department (CSD) encourages adult offenders to pursue studies after their work. It provides assistance, through CSD staff and volunteers, to those who voluntarily participate in educational activities.
Prisoners can apply for financial assistance from the Prisoners' Education Trust Fund for payment of distance learning course fees for courses offered by external bodies including tertiary education institutions, and to sit for public examinations leading to qualifications.
Ends/Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:01
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