Press Release

Pik Uk inmates receive academic and vocational certificates

Young inmates of Pik Uk Correctional Institution (PUCI) were today (December 9) presented with academic and vocational certificates.

A total of 227 inmates from PUCI sat for various academic and vocational qualifications examinations in the past 12 months. Among the 268 certificates obtained, 88 were merits.

Today, 55 of them were presented with certificates for 103 examination papers. They obtained 38 distinctions and credits, as well as 65 passes in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination, City & Guilds of London Institute Examinations, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examinations; as well as skill recognition offered by the Vocational Training Council and the Fullness Christian Vocational Training Centre.

They achieved good results in Chinese, English, Mathematics, Commerce, Travel and Tourism, Word Processing and Business Communication, computer applications, City and Guilds Vocational Qualifications, Kitchen Assistant Certificate, and Basic Hairstyling Certificate. More encouraging is that PUCI struck this year a passing rate record of 77% in HKCEE over the last decade.

Presenting certificates to the inmates, Legislative Council Member, Mr Cheung Man-kwong, commended the achievements of inmates in finding their road though studying. He encouraged them by saying, "Your road, a road to rehabilitation, will be wider and brighter day by day."

Drawing on his own reading habit, Mr Cheung stressed the importance of reading and called on inmates to make full use of the books provided in the institution's library. He said: "Studying is important, but being a good person is far more important."

He shared with inmates his experience when he was young and told them that they could get back on the right track if they were determined to do so.

He also praised the tutors and correctional staff of PUCI for their efforts in helping inmates in their studies. This was important in leading them back to the right path, Mr Cheung said.

Also attending the presentation ceremony were representatives of community organisations and celebrities as well as senior officers of the department.

Pik Uk Correctional Institution, on Clearwater Bay Road, Sai Kung, is a maximum security institution with a capacity of 385 penal places for male young remands and male young prisoners.

Young offenders under age 21 are provided with half-day compulsory education programmes and half-day vocational training. Guidance and assistance are also in place for adult offenders who participate in studies voluntarily.

Ends/Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:28

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Legislative Council Member, Mr Cheung Man-kwong, congratulates an inmate on his outstanding examination result.  

The band, formed by inmates of the Pik Uk Correctional Institution, performs at the ceremony.