Press Release

Persons in custody at Lo Wu Correctional Institution attain good examination results

     185 persons in custody (PICs) at the Correctional Services Department (CSD)'s Lo Wu Correctional Institution (LWCI) were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (March 11) in recognition of their continuous efforts to pursue further studies.

     In 2014, 274 PICs at LWCI passed 311 papers in various academic courses and public examinations organised by the Open University of Hong Kong, the City and Guilds International Limited and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry International Qualifications. Subjects taken included languages, marketing, business management, business calculations, bookkeeping and accounts, and child studies. Today's 185 awardees passed 222 papers, achieving a total of 52 distinctions and credits.

     Officiating at the ceremony, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Yan Chai Hospital (YCH), Mrs Susan So, said that YCH was highly supportive of the CSD's diverse and sustainable rehabilitation work. Mrs So added that she appreciated the market-oriented courses provided by LWCI, which lay a solid foundation for the reintegration of rehabilitated offenders into society. The YCH understands that the path of rehabilitation is never easy for PICs or their families, especially with its many changes and challenges. Consequently the Yan Chai MY Rehabilitation Foundation was set up in 2011 to help PIC children aged under 18 overcome their immediate financial difficulties, thus enabling them to concentrate on rehabilitation. Mrs So stated that the YCH would continue to collaborate with the CSD to promote offenders' rehabilitation and enhance understanding of the needs of PICs in the community. She also encouraged offenders to pursue further studies with a view to making a contribution to society in future.

     At the ceremony, a PIC representative and family members shared details of a PIC's journey towards rehabilitation. In addition, a rehabilitated person spoke about her rehabilitation success by starting a career in cosmetics with the support of her family after discharge. She encouraged PICs to further their studies and prepare well for reintegration into society in future.

     Under the guidance of instructors from the Just Education Services Organisation and Medart, the PICs performed paint dancing and a cappella singing to introduce the theme of "Self-reliance, dance for a colourful future". In the performance, PICs of different races and nationalities performed together in a spirit of racial harmony. The paint dancing gave a representation of their colourful lives, and also depicted their hope and determination to start anew, while the a cappella singers sang to express gratitude to their family and society members.

     The CSD has long been providing a favourable environment to encourage adult persons in custody to pursue studies while in custody. To prepare rehabilitated offenders for their return to the community, LWCI provides courses for them to acquire work-related training and recognition. The department also helps them attain job-relevant accreditation by applying 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 Yau Chi-chiu, 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 11, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:15

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A total of 185 persons in custody at Lo Wu Correctional Institution were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (March 11) in recognition of their continuous efforts to pursue further studies. The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Yan Chai Hospital, Mrs Susan So (right), presents a certificate to a person in custody.

Persons in custody dance at the ceremony.

Persons in custody dance at the ceremony.

Persons in custody perform a cappella singing at the ceremony.

Persons in custody of different nationalities perform together in a spirit of racial harmony at the ceremony.