Press Release

PUCI persons in custody attain good examination results

     Thirty-nine young persons in custody at Pik Uk Correctional Institution (PUCI) of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) were presented with certificates at a ceremony in recognition of their efforts and study achievements today (December 18).

     In the past year, 162 persons in custody sat for various academic and vocational examinations including the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination, examinations of the Open University of Hong Kong and examinations organised by City and Guilds International Limited, the Vocational Training Council, the Construction Industry Council and other examination bodies, covering the subjects of computer studies, hairdressing, basic Chinese cooking theory and practice, basic laundry skills and the Intermediate Trade Test for Joiner. They achieved 238 passes including 56 merits. Of the candidates, seven persons in custody sat 39 papers for this year's HKDSE Examination, obtaining level 2 or above in 38 papers - representing 97.4 per cent of all papers taken. The 39 persons in custody who were presented with certificates today had passed 60 papers, 17 of which were distinctions and credits.

     Officiating at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Po Leung Kuk, Ms Angela Leong, said that the Po Leung Kuk has long supported CSD's rehabilitation work. She encouraged the young persons in custody to continue seizing the chance to study and said she believed that they could be reformed and reintegrated into society. She added that with determination as well as the support of their families and the staff of CSD, the young persons in custody could make a contribution through education and vocational training, while the Po Leung Kuk's vision of "Youngsters are educated. Adults are supported to contribute" could eventually be fulfilled.

     During the ceremony, a band formed by persons in custody at PUCI sang to convey gratitude to their families and the staff of CSD, and to express hope for a better future. A parents' representative also spoke of the happiness he felt after seeing his son undergo positive changes during his training at PUCI.

     Also attending the ceremony were the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Sin Yat-kin, representatives of non-governmental and community organisations, community leaders and parents of the certificate recipients.

     PUCI has a capacity of 385 penal places for young male remand persons in custody and sentenced persons.

     The department provides half-day education programmes and half-day vocational training for the young persons in custody to help them rehabilitate and prepare for their reintegration into society.

Ends

Thursday, December 18, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:06

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Thirty-nine young persons in custody at Pik Uk Correctional Institution of the Correctional Services Department were presented with certificates at a ceremony in recognition of their efforts and study achievements today (December 18). Photo shows the Chairman of Po Leung Kuk, Ms Angela Leong (right), presenting a certificate to a person in custody.

A band formed by persons in custody at Pik Uk Correctional Institution sang to convey gratitude to their families and the staff of CSD and to express hope for a better future.