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Eighty-seven inmates were presented with academic certificates at a ceremony in Stanley Prison today (January 9) in recognition of their academic achievements.
They obtained a total of 102 certificates in public examinations with 30 distinctions. Two inmates attained Bachelor of Social Sciences and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from the Open University of Hong Kong.
The inmates sat for various examination subjects, including mathematics, Chinese language, English language, commerce, economics, principles of accounts, book-keeping/accounting, business/advanced calculations, commercial numeracy, Chinese history, and Putonghua, as well as travel and tourism.
Presenting certificates to the inmates, a member of the Committee on Community Support for Rehabilitated Offenders, Mr Lau Hon-wah said, "The inmates have proven capable of developing their potential as ordinary people, and accomplished their studies successfully."
He encouraged the inmates to further pursue their aspirations and not to be complacent.
"The success of inmates is greatly built on the continuous guidance and support of community organisations and volunteers, who have joined rehabilitative activities in correctional institutions," Mr Lau said.
"I understand that the department has provided inmates with various good studying environments so that they can continue to pursue their education," he added.
Stanley Prison, established in 1937, is a maximum security institution situated on Tung Tau Wan Road, Stanley. It accommodates 1,544 male adult prisoners of high security risk.
The department provides half-day compulsory education programmes and half-day vocational training for young offenders under age 2l. Guidance and assistance are in place for adult offenders who participate in studies on a voluntary basis.
Ends/Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:06
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