Press Release

Stanley Prison inmates receive academic certificates

     A total of 61 inmates at Stanley Prison were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (January 12) in recognition of their academic achievements.

     In 2010, a total of 140 inmates from Stanley Prison obtained 202 certificates in various academic courses and public examinations organised by the Open University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination), City and Guilds as well as London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

     Examinations passed included a variety of subjects such as languages (business English and Putonghua), mathematics, business finance, business statistics, business administration, accounting and bookkeeping. One of the inmates has been awarded a Master's Degree in Business Administration by the Open University of Hong Kong.

     Among the 109 papers they passed, there were  35 distinctions and credits and a total of 355 university credit points.

     Presenting certificates to the inmates, Chairman of the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon, Mr Eric Cheung, said the good results reflected inmates' perseverance. Family support, encouragement from correctional staff as well as community organisations and volunteers who provided voluntary teaching for the inmates should also be recognised.

     He said:"CSD has long provided a good learning environment to encourage inmates to participate in learning. To get rehabilitated offenders prepared for re-integrating into society, Stanley Prison provides courses for them to obtain work-related training and recognition. The department also helps inmates obtain work-related knowledge, skill and experience accreditation by applying through the 'Recognition of Prior Learning' mechanism."

     As part of its continuous efforts to rehabilitate offenders, the CSD encourages adult offenders to pursue studies after their work. Those who have financial difficulties may apply for relevant subsidies including the "Prisoners' Education Subsidy Fund", to which the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon donated $100,000 in 2010.

     Also taking part in the ceremony were inmates' families, representatives of community organisations and celebrities as well as the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Sin Yat-kin.

     Stanley Prison, established in 1937, is a maximum security institution. It accommodates 1,538 male adult prisoners.

Ends/Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:30

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Chairman of the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society (Kowloon), Mr Eric Cheung, presents certificates to an inmate representative at the certificate presentation ceremony at Stanley Prison today (January 12).