Press Release

Persons in custody at Lai King Correctional Institution attain good examination results

     Persons in custody at Lai King Correctional Institution (LKCI) of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (October 12) in recognition of their study efforts and achievements.

     In the past year, 41 persons in custody from the institution sat for various academic and vocational examinations including the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination and examinations covering the subjects of beauty therapy, food and beverage service, basic Chinese cooking, elementary laundry skills, basic bakery and pastry making, basic coffee making and latte art, food hygiene, retailing, word processing techniques and practical data processing organised by the City and Guilds International Limited, Christian Action, the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention, Hong Kong and the Vocational Training Council. They achieved 15 merits out of 78 certificates obtained.

     A total of 20 persons in custody were today presented with 37 certificates, including eight distinctions and credits.

     Officiating at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Po Leung Kuk, Dr Eleanor Kwok, said the mission of Po Leung Kuk is to educate the young and nurture their moral development. She noted that the CSD conducts suitable rehabilitation schemes and reforms persons in custody through education, vocational training, discipline training and character development. With the support of the CSD, they are able to prepare for their future reintegration into society with the aims of making a contribution to society and turning over a new leaf, so that they can continue their studies or employment. Ms Kwok noted that the CSD's goals are in line with the mission of Po Leung Kuk. Po Leung Kuk has worked closely with the CSD and donated $500,000 to the Correctional Services Children's Education Trust and the Prisoners' Education Trust Fund this year to subsidise the children of CSD staff of junior ranks as well as to encourage persons in custody to pursue further studies.

     During the ceremony, a representative of the certificate recipients expressed her gratitude for the department's support for rehabilitation. The father of the representative also spoke of the happiness he felt while seeing his daughter undergoing positive changes during her training at LKCI. A band formed by persons in custody at LKCI sang in a cappella style to convey their love to their families. A ukulele performance was also given.

     Also attending the ceremony were the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Yau Chi-chiu, representatives of non-governmental and community organisations, community leaders and parents of the certificate recipients.

     LKCI accommodates female persons in custody aged from 14 to under 21. The department provides half-day education programmes and half-day vocational training for offenders to help them rehabilitate and prepare for their reintegration into society.

Ends/Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:00

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Po Leung Kuk, Dr Eleanor Kwok (right), presents an academic certificate to a person in custody at a presentation ceremony held at the Correctional Services Department’s Lai King Correctional Institution today (October 12).

Members of a band formed by persons in custody of Lai King Correctional Institution of the Correctional Services Department give a ukulele performance to convey their love for their families during a certificate presentation ceremony at Lai King Correctional Institution today (October 12).