Press Release

Young persons in custody at Sha Tsui Correctional Institution attain good examination results

Young persons in custody (PICs) at Sha Tsui Correctional Institution (STCI) of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (October 23) in recognition of their efforts and achievements in studies and vocational examinations.

Over the past year, 97 PICs participated in various academic and vocational examinations, including the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination, the City and Guilds International examinations, the Cambridge English Examinations and the General Aptitude Putonghua Shuiping Kaoshi. They obtained vocational certificates in areas such as Food and Beverage Services, Coffee Making and Latte Art Training, Specialty Drink (Non-alcoholic) Making, Cantonese Cooking, Multimedia Design, Music, Building Services and Laundry Skills. These examinations were organised by the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention, Hong Kong; the School of Professional and Continuing Education, the University of Hong Kong; Christian Action; the Construction Industry Council; Tom Lee Music Foundation; the Vocational Training Council and Caritas Institute of Community Education. During the year, the PICs attained 127 merits out of 302 certificates obtained. In the ceremony today, 22 PICs were presented with 135 certificates, of which 76 were marked with merits.

Officiating at the ceremony, the President of the Hong Kong Shanxi Union Community Limited (HKSUCL), Mr Ng Tang, said that the HKSUCL has been highly supportive of the rehabilitation work of the CSD, and has set up the HKSUCL - Igniting Hope Education Fund to provide education and vocational training subsidies to PICs with financial difficulties to enable further studies. He encouraged the young PICs to strive for self-improvement, and to walk hand in hand with their families and CSD staff on the path of rehabilitation to live a fulfilling life.

During the ceremony, members of the lion dance team performed with accompaniment by a marching band. Moreover, PICs put their training into practice and produced a short video by using shooting and editing skills acquired in the Creative Multimedia Production Technology Training Course to showcase their learning outcomes at the ceremony. There was also a singing and musical instrument performance by PICs, with piano accompaniment by CSD staff, to demonstrate their determination to change.

In the sharing session, one young PIC expressed gratitude to his mother for taking good care of him on her own and her unwavering support during his time in custody, which inspired him to reflect on his past mistakes and make good use of his time to study diligently. Two other young PICs also expressed appreciation for the encouragement and guidance from CSD staff, who helped them mend relationships with family members and learn valuable skills in a band. They hope to apply what they have learnt to contribute to society in the future.

Also attending today's certificate presentation ceremony were representatives from non-governmental and community organisations, community leaders and family members of the certificate recipients.

STCI accommodates young male PICs aged from 14 to under 25. The Department provides half-day education programmes and half-day vocational training for PICs of training centres and rehabilitation centres to assist them to rehabilitate and prepare for reintegration into society.

Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Issued at HKT 15:10