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Certificates were presented to 43 inmates at a ceremony in Pik Uk Correctional Institution (PUCI) today (December 3) in recognition of their academic achievements.
They were presented with 102 academic certificates and obtained a total of 20 distinctions and credits in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination, City and Guilds examinations, Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination, LCCI International Qualifications, Hong Kong Institute of Accredited Accounting Technicians and Vocational Training Council examinations.
The inmates achieved a variety of qualifications relating to fields such as information technology, accounting and Chinese cookery.
Presenting certificates to the inmates, the Vice-Chairman of Yan Chai Hospital Board, Professor Edwin Cheng, commended the efforts of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) in seeking support from organisations and the public on rehabilitative services for a stable and harmonious community.
"The rehabilitation-related services are really meaningful. I expect that with CSD's promotion, more people and organisations from all walks of life and various sectors will participate in the rehabilitation-related services, giving rehabilitated offenders a better chance for reintegration and becoming law-abiding citizens," he said.
Professor Cheng encouraged the inmates to further pursue their aspirations to facilitate their reintegration into the community and to build a bright future for themselves.
Also attending the ceremony were representatives of community organisations and celebrities as well as senior officers of the department.
Pik Uk Correctional Institution, on Clearwater Bay Road, Sai Kung, New Territories, is a maximum security institution with a capacity of 385 penal places for male young remands and male young prisoners.
Young offenders under age 21 are provided with half-day compulsory education programmes and half-day vocational training. Guidance and assistance are also in place for adult offenders who participate in studies voluntarily.
Ends/Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:00
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