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Eighty-one inmates were today (May 13) presented with certificates for vocational training courses at a ceremony in Lai Sun Correctional Institution (LSCI) Vocational Training Centre in recognition of their academic and vocational achievements.
They obtained a total of 211 certificates for various vocational training courses they completed, with a total of 47 distinctions and credits.
The training courses included hairdressing, mechanical craft, food and beverage service, junior cook, book-keeping and accounts, electrical fitting and installation, air-conditioning and refrigeration, office computing and practice as well as language and information technology applications.
Speaking at the certificate presentation ceremony, the Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee, Scout Association of Hong Kong, Mr Li Fung-lok, said each of the certificates was testimony to the effort and achievement of the inmates. He said he believed that each of them would find a bright future for himself as well as for his family and would contribute to the community.
"Helping rehabilitated offenders reintegrate into society and stay away from crime is a long-term and challenging job, and I believe we can achieve this task through enhanced public participation in rehabilitative services, public acceptance and support for offender rehabilitation," Mr Li said.
Also attending the ceremony were representatives of vocational training authorities and community organisations, celebrities, and senior officers of the Correctional Services Department.
Situated on Hei Ling Chau Island, LSCI Vocational Training Centre is the first institution which, as a trial project, functions as a full-time pre-release vocational training centre for male adult offenders. The institution provides market-oriented training courses tailor-made to enhance inmates' employability after release.
Ends/Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:01
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