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The first batch of 33 Correctional Services Department (CSD) officers who have completed a three-year Diploma in Social Work programme received their diplomas today (November 23).

The part-time day-release programme commenced in March 2000 and was the first diploma course jointly organised by the School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPACE) of the University of Hong Kong and CSD.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Director of HKU SPACE, Professor Enoch Young, said: "Today's graduation is a milestone because it marks 26 years of collaboration between CSD and HKU SPACE in the provision of in-house training programmes, and the first graduation of Diploma in Social Work designed for CSD staff.

"I am also happy to report that the examiner's report made two commendations about the programme: the students' performance was rated as outstanding; and the programme's innovative curriculum was considered a model for similar continuing education programmes."

Also addressing the ceremony, the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Pang Sung-yuen, said the department relied on a well-trained, professional and dedicated staff to fulfil its mission to provide comprehensive rehabilitative services for prisoners.

"In this connection, we strongly encourage our staff members to engage in continuing studies and life-long learning. And that is where SPACE has made invaluable contributions," Mr Pang said.

He recalled that SPACE offered its first course for CSD personnel in 1977 and had since become a major partner of the department in training. Over the years, it had organised a number of job-related courses for more than 400 CSD staff members to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills in offender treatment and rehabilitation, he added.

Apart from the Diploma in Social Work programme, SPACE and CSD have organised two certificate courses for CSD officers, one on psychological approaches and the other on social work, which started in 2002 and 2003 respectively.

SPACE has also planned to organise three more certificates courses, including two at advanced level, to help consolidate and sharpen the counselling skills of CSD officers performing rehabilitation duties.

A total of 82 CSD staff members received diplomas and certificates at the graduation ceremony in HKU today. Of them, 32 Officers and one Assistant Officer I completed the Diploma in Social Work programme, 30 Officers finished the Certificate Course in Social Work and 19 Officers completed the Certificate Course in Psychological Approaches in Working with Offenders

Congratulating the graduates, Mr Pang said: "I am proud of you because as adult students and CSD officers with heavy workloads you have demonstrated initiative, perseverance and active participation in classes and in completing the course assignments with satisfactory results."

He hoped the graduates would apply what they had learned to help offenders under the care of CSD to turn over a new leaf.

Ends/Sunday, November 23, 2003

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