Persons in custody at Lo Wu Correctional Institution attain good examination results (with photos)
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In 2018, a total of 255 persons in custody at LWCI passed 355 papers in various courses and public examinations organised by the Open University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention, the Employees Retraining Board, the Clothing Industry Training Authority and Christian Action. Subjects taken included languages, mathematics, liberal studies, economics, tourism and hospitality studies, bookkeeping and accounting, arts and social sciences, business administration, computer and digital media applications, catering and banquet services, pet sitter training, shop business, sewing skills, nail technician training, floriculture, makeup skills and vocational Putonghua. Today, 84 awardees were given certificates for passing 113 papers, with 35 distinctions and credits.
Officiating at the ceremony, the President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong (CMA), Dr Dennis Ng, said that the CMA, established in 1934, has grown significantly as one of the largest and most representative non-profit making industrial associations in Hong Kong, with the mission of promoting Hong Kong's industrial and commercial development to fulfil corporate social responsibility for social stability. The CMA has been supporting the rehabilitation work of the CSD by co-organising the Job Fair with the CSD several times to advocate the principle of fair employment opportunities. Dr Ng added that the CMA would strengthen its support for community education at the CSD this year by spending $850,000 to sponsor the large-scale music and dance drama under the CSD's Rehabilitation Pioneer Project. This year's drama is based on a real-life story. Through creative arts and input from various stakeholders, it seeks to enhance vigilance against crime and awareness of being law-abiding among secondary school students. It is expected that the number of student participants will reach more than 10 000.
With guidance from volunteers, persons in custody of different nationalities staged a stick dance performance to show gratitude to their families, the volunteers and correctional staff. They also expressed their determination to achieve rehabilitation. The performance also reflected the ceremony's theme of "Let's dance along the joyous journey to LOVE and LEARN".
At the ceremony, a representative of persons in custody spoke about her experience in her journey towards rehabilitation and expressed her gratitude to family members for their support. As a mother, she also expressed her love and expectations for her son. Having finished the Foundation Certificate in Nail Technician Training Course, she is looking for a relevant job after release.
The CSD has long been providing a favourable environment to encourage persons in custody to pursue studies while in custody. To prepare rehabilitated offenders for their return to the community, the CSD provides courses for them to acquire work-related training and recognition. The department also helps them attain job-relevant accreditation by helping them to apply through the Recognition of Prior Learning Mechanism under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework in accordance with their working knowledge, skills and experience. Those with financial difficulties may apply for an education subsidy.
Also attending the ceremony were the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Woo Ying-ming, representatives of non-governmental and community organisations, community leaders and family members of persons in custody.
Lo Wu Correctional Institution, established in 2010, is a medium security institution. It accommodates 1 400 female adult persons in custody.
Ends/Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Issued at HKT 19:28
Issued at HKT 19:28
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