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Thirty-five persons in custody at Pik Uk Correctional Institution (PUCI) were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (December 18) in recognition of their efforts to pursue further studies.
In the past 12 months, a total of 149 persons in custody passed 236 papers in various academic and vocational examinations organised by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, the Open University of Hong Kong, the City and Guilds International Limited, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry International Qualifications, the Vocational Training Council, the Construction Industry Council and other organisations. The examination subjects covered languages, mathematics, liberal studies, economics, tourism and hospitality studies, computer studies, hairdressing, basic Chinese cooking theory and practice, basic laundry skills and the intermediate trade test.
The 35 persons in custody awarded certificates today achieved 16 distinctions and credits out of 68 papers passed. Among them, six candidates at the Institution sat for the latest Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination and attained a 78 per cent pass rate. Two of them even achieved the minimum requirements for university enrolment. The department provides half-day compulsory education programmes and half-day vocational training for young offenders under 2l years of age as well as guidance and assistance for adult offenders who participate in studies on a voluntary basis.
Officiating at the ceremony, the Chairman of Fung Ying Seen Koon, Mr Hung Siu-ling, expressed his support for the diversified rehabilitation services of the department. Since Fung Ying Seen Koon has been heavily involved in charitable community services, he expressed the hope that both Fung Ying Seen Koon and the Correctional Services Department would uphold their common goal of caring for the young generation in the community. He also encouraged persons in custody to seize every learning opportunity to equip themselves with the necessary skills and knowledge so as to prepare for their reintegration into society and to contribute to the future development of Hong Kong.
Fung Ying Seen Koon also sponsored the "Youth Broadcasting Programme - Shall We Talk" in PUCI. The programme is an audio show produced by persons in custody featuring interviews with celebrities with a view to conveying positive messages based on the latter's life experiences to persons in custody. The programme was also staged in the ceremony. Three persons in custody, together with the programme consultants Ms Candy Chea and Ms Nancy Loo, interviewed the mother of a person in custody. The persons in custody shared their changes and how they have been inspired to turn over a new leaf after participation in the programme, with an emphasis on the significance of the families and the community's acceptance of and support for offender rehabilitation. Mr Anthony Lun and Mr Peco Chui, together with persons in custody, also staged the song "Shall We Talk" in the programme and encouraged persons in custody not to commit further mistakes in the future.
Also attending the ceremony were the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Sin Yat-kin; representatives of community organisations; community leaders; and parents of the persons in custody.
PUCI, located at 399 Clearwater Bay Road, Sai Kung, has a capacity of 385 penal places for young male remand offenders and sentenced persons.
Ends/Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:35
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