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A total of 66 persons in custody at Stanley Prison were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (January 6) in recognition of their academic achievements.
Today's 66 awardees passed 85 papers, achieving a total of 53 distinctions and credits and obtaining 280 university credit points. Among them, two persons in custody were presented with Outstanding Student Award of the Year prizes by the Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK).
In 2015, 222 persons in custody at Stanley Prison passed 235 papers of various distance learning courses and public examinations organised by the OUHK, City and Guilds International Limited and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Subjects taken included languages, English for business, business finance, business calculations, bookkeeping and accounts.
Officiating at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society Kowloon, Mr Clifford Leung, said that the Correctional Services Department (CSD) has long been committed to reforming persons in custody through education and vocational training. With the support of the CSD, persons in custody are able to prepare for their reintegration into society, he said. Mr Leung added that the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society Kowloon very much agreed with the aim of the CSD's rehabilitation work and continues to support the implementation of various rehabilitation schemes, with favourable results being obtained. In the future, the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society Kowloon will continue to work in collaboration with the CSD with a view to building a more stable and harmonious society. He also encouraged the community to support such rehabilitation work and give rehabilitated persons the chance to turn over a new leaf.
At the ceremony, a representative of the persons in custody shared his experience of rehabilitation, and his son expressed his joy at seeing the positive change in his father. An African drum performance was given by persons in custody at Stanley Prison, while a band formed by persons in custody also performed at the ceremony.
The CSD has long provided a favourable environment for adult persons in custody that encourages them to pursue further studies. To prepare rehabilitated offenders for their return to the community, Stanley Prison provides courses for them to acquire work-related training and recognition. The department also helps them attain job-relevant accreditation by applying on their behalf through the Recognition of Prior Learning Mechanism under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework in accordance with their working knowledge, skills and experience. Additionally, those who have financial difficulties may apply for an education subsidy.
Also attending the ceremony were the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Yau Chi-chiu, representatives of non-governmental and community organisations, community leaders and family members of persons in custody.
Established in 1937, Stanley Prison is a maximum security institution with a capacity of 1 511 penal places for male adult persons in custody.
Ends/Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Issued at HKT 14:50
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