Press Release

Persons in custody at Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution attain good examination results

     Persons in custody at Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution (TGCI) of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (March 14) in recognition of their efforts and study achievements.

     In the past year, 67 persons in custody sat for various academic and vocational examinations, including examinations organised by the Open University of Hong Kong; City and Guilds International Limited; the Vocational Training Council; the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention, Hong Kong; and the Construction Industry Council. The courses covered computer studies, English language, elementary Cantonese cooking and kitchen operations, basic laundry skills, the Intermediate Trade Test for Electrical Wireman and International Award in Barista Skills, with persons in custody achieving 141 passes or above. The 18 persons in custody presented with certificates today passed a total of 38 papers.

     Officiating at the ceremony, the Chairperson of the Yan Oi Tong (YOT), Dr Christina Lee, said the CSD is committed to providing safe custody and appropriate rehabilitation programmes to help persons in custody integrate into society. In recent years, the CSD has been actively promoting community education for crime prevention. Through diverse activities, the department disseminates to young people the messages of leading a law-abiding and drug-free life as well as supporting offender rehabilitation. As a long-standing charitable organisation, the YOT is committed to offering services covering social welfare, education, medical, sports and recreation in fulfilling the mission to "care for the needy, educate the youth, help the weak and support the community". Dr Lee added that the CSD's goals are in line with the YOT's mission and she hopes the YOT will continue to work with the CSD in building a safer and more harmonious society.

     During the ceremony, a representative of persons in custody spoke of his determination to turn over a new leaf and further his studies at the institution under the support of CSD staff and his family, and his mother expressed her joy at seeing the positive changes in her son. A music group formed by persons in custody of TGCI sang to convey gratitude to their families and CSD staff, and to express hope for a better future.

     Also attending the ceremony were the Assistant Commissioner of Correctional Services (Rehabilitation), Ms Ng Sau-wai, representatives of non-governmental and community organisations, community leaders and family members of the certificate recipients.

     TGCI 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/Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Issued at HKT 14:45

Persons in custody at Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution of the Correctional Services Department were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (March 14) in recognition of their efforts and study achievements. Photo shows the Chairman of the Yan Oi Tong, Dr Christina Lee (third right), shaking hands with persons in custody.

Persons in custody at Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (March 14). A music group formed by persons in custody sang at the ceremony to convey gratitude to their families and CSD staff, and to express hope for a better future.