Press Release

CSD and International Women's League hold volunteer work activity for young persons in custody

     The Correctional Services Department (CSD) and the International Women's League today (December 14) jointly held a volunteer activity for young persons in custody called "Trim and Growth", which involved giving senior citizens free haircuts at the International Women's League Neighbourhood Elderly Centre.

     The CSD invited well-known Asia hairdresser Kim Robinson and his team, together with young persons in custody at Cape Collinson Correctional Institution, to offer haircuts for senior citizens as a way of expressing concern for the elderly and supporting the rehabilitation work of young persons in custody through action.

     Also attending the event were the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Sin Yat-kin; the Chairman of the International Women's League, Mrs Josephine Pang; and special guest Dr Irene Tang.

     Mr Robinson and his team taught the young persons in custody how to improve their hairdressing skills. He also shared some of his life experiences with them and spoke about having a correct attitude in life.

     He said that cutting hair is generally seen as simply changing someone's appearance, but today's special event proved that cutting hair could encourage various sectors of society to use action to promote inclusiveness, respect the elderly and accept the repentance of young persons in custody.

     Mr Robinson told the young persons in custody that they must not give up and should repent for their mistakes and prepare themselves for reintegration into society. In this way, they could embrace the positive energy of the "Trim and Growth" activity.

     The participating persons in custody belong to the 221st Hong Kong Group of the Scout Association Hong Kong district and are undergoing hair design training.

     The CSD provides market-oriented vocational training for young persons in custody. Apart from training in hair design there are also vocational training courses in construction, commerce and service industries, which help them to gain accredited qualifications, motivate them to learn more, boost their confidence in finding work or continuing their studies, and reduce their chances of going astray again.

     To strengthen the moral cultivation of young persons in custody and their responsibility towards society, the department has arranged for them to participate in various volunteer activities to contribute to society and unleash their potential in order to enhance their determination to repent.

     These volunteer activities include marching band performances, visiting the elderly and gardening.

     The CSD also encourages its staff to participate in volunteer work during their leisure time and use their professional skills to care for and help the needy, so as to help build an inclusive and caring society.

     The International Women's League is a non-profit organisation that was established by a group of women in 1986. It aims to promote love in society.

Ends

Sunday, December 14, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:30

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Mr Robinson trims the hair of one of the elderly participants.

The Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Sin Yat-kin (second left), and Asia hairdresser Kim Robinson (third right) with other guests at the Correctional Services Department's "Trim and Growth" volunteer activity at the International Women's League Neighbourhood Elderly Centre today (December 14).

Mr Robinson's team member (centre) teaches the hair-trimming skills for the benefit of young persons in custody of Cape Collinson Correctional Institution.

A young person in custody of Cape Collinson Correctional Institution gives a senior citizen free haircut.