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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (February 11) attended a drama and music performance of the Creation and Rehabilitation project under the Rehabilitation Pioneer Project organised by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) at Stanley Prison.
Addressing the event, Mrs Lam said, "Today's performance has reflected the mission of the CSD in promoting acceptance for persons in custody in the community, thereby facilitating their rehabilitation and contribution to society.
"On the other hand, the persons in custody can share their experiences to motivate young people to reflect on the value of life and stay away from crime. This mode of collaboration serves as a good reference for government departments in delivering public services."
Mrs Lam said the most valuable part of the performance was the influence that could be made on lives. A group of persons in custody serving long-term sentences or even life imprisonment staged a drama production created by themselves. They also shared their music with young people and discussed their lives behind bars.
Mrs Lam also noted that despite the fact that the persons in custody had once broken the law in the community, they could still move ahead to create art works and contribute to society if they are determined to change.
Mrs Lam said that as one of the departments upholding the rule of law and an integral part of the criminal justice system, the CSD is tasked with the mission of helping persons in custody to return to the right path and look for their direction in life.
She expressed the hope that the performers on stage could reflect the truth of life and that the audience could also find inspiration in the message.
Mrs Lam said that the collaboration between the CSD and various organisations not only helps promote offender rehabilitation and community education, but also complements the Government's policy highlights on youth development.
More than 300 students and teachers from the secondary schools of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong were invited to watch the drama and music performance staged by persons in custody today. A number of student representatives were invited to talk with persons in custody on stage so as to understand their experiences and reflect upon the importance of abiding by the law.
Panels were also set up to show the institution's facilities, the daily life of persons in custody and the winning works of the Rainbow Reading Award Scheme.
The CSD and the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong Lay Prison Evangelical Organization have held the Creation and Rehabilitation project at Stanley Prison since 2010. Through arts activities such as drawing, ceramics and music and drama performances, persons in custody are inspired to exercise self-reflection and strengthen their abilities in self-discipline, co-operation with others, communication and expressing themselves.
Ends/Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Issued at HKT 15:42
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