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Seventy-four inmates of Stanley Prison were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (January 11) in recognition of their academic achievements.
In 2011, a total of 117 inmates at Stanley Prison obtained 157 certificates in various academic courses and public examinations organised by the Open University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, the City and Guilds of London Institute as well as the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) International Qualifications.
Examinations passed covered a variety of subjects such as languages, English for Business, Mathematics, Business Finance, Business Statistics, Business Calculations, Accounting and Book-keeping.
Of the 74 inmates who received certificates today, two inmates, who had attained Secondary 3 and 6 education before they were imprisoned, were awarded a Master's Degree of Education and a Bachelor's Degree of Business Administration by the Open University of Hong Kong. To achieve their academic goals, they studied hard for some years to attain good results.
Another inmate was awarded a Country Silver Medallion in the subject of Business Calculations (Level 2) by LCCI International Qualifications.
The 74 inmates awarded certificates today had passed 107 papers, and achieved 61 distinctions and credits and a total of 245 university credit points.
"The achievements reflect inmates' diligence and perseverance in pursuing a positive life. Family support, encouragement from correctional staff as well as community organisations and volunteers who provided voluntary teaching to the inmates should also be recognised," the Chairman of the Care of Rehabilitated Offenders Association, Mr Martin Hong, said in presenting certificates to the inmates.
He added that in the past decade, the Association had been promoting rehabilitation work for inmates' reintegration into society. Last summer, it donated $1 million for the Correctional Services Department (CSD) to set up a three-year education assistance scheme, the "Care of Rehabilitated Offenders Association Foundation". The fund, in operation since last August, financially assists rehabilitated inmates to apply for distance courses and public examinations. The purpose is to encourage them to learn and pursue further studies.
The CSD has long been providing a conducive environment to encourage inmates to participate in learning. To get rehabilitated offenders prepared for re-integrating into society, Stanley Prison provides courses for them to obtain work-related training and recognition. The department also helps inmates obtain work-related knowledge, skills and experience accreditation by applying through the "Recognition of Prior Learning" mechanism.
As part of its continuous efforts to rehabilitate offenders, the department encourages adult offenders to pursue studies after their work. Those who have financial difficulties may apply for subsidies.
Also taking part in the ceremony were inmates' families, representatives of community organisations and celebrities as well as the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Sin Yat-kin.
Stanley Prison, established in 1937, is a maximum security institution. It accommodates 1 538 male adult prisoners.
Ends/Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:07
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