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Young inmates of correctional institutions who sat for this year's Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) obtained good results, Assistant Commissioner (Rehabilitation) of the Correctional Services Department, Mr Yau Chi-chiu, said today (August 9).
Speaking at a media briefing at the Inmate-Parent Centre at Tai Tam Gap Correction Institution (TGCI), Mr Yau said inmates with academic qualifications stood a better chance for further studies and job opportunities after discharge.
"The Correctional Services Department is committed to providing every opportunity for inmates to equip themselves academically and assisting them to attain accredited qualifications," he said.
He said for inmates' smooth re-integration into the community, the department closely monitored job market opportunities and would continue to provide them with market-oriented vocational training.
A total of 33 young inmates took 142 examination papers this year (2006). They achieved 13 credits and 77 passes. The pass rate is 63% compared to 54% in 2005.
The young inmates are from Lai King Training Centre, Pik Uk, Cape Collinson and Tai Tam Gap Correction Institutions.
Their examination subjects included Mathematics, Chinese Language, English Language, Commerce, Economics, Principles of Accounts, Word Processing and Business Communication, Chinese History, Putonghua, Computer and Information Technology, as well as Travel and Tourism.
Meanwhile, 63 adults from 10 correctional institutions, including Stanley and Shek Pik Prisons, took 93 papers in the examination and obtained four credits and 35 passes. The pass rate for adult inmates is 42% compared to 33% in 2005.
The overall pass rate for inmates of correctional institutions stood at 55% this year compared to 45% last year.
"Some inmates who obtained good HKCEE results previously are now studying in tertiary institutes, while some have secured employment with required qualification," Mr Yau said.
"Family support had contributed to inmates' good results and was vital in their process of rehabilitation," he stressed.
He asked inmates to keep up their efforts because they had the same opportunities as others in attaining good results, despite the fact that they were in correctional institutions.
Mr Yau called on the public to give inmates and rehabilitated offenders equal opportunities and accept their re-integration into the community with open hearts.
Ends/Wednesday, August 9, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:36
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