Press Release

Shek Pik inmates receive academic certificates

     Ninety-two inmates were presented with academic certificates in a ceremony at Shek Pik Prison (SPP) today (December 7) in recognition of their academic achievements.

     As part of its continuous efforts to rehabilitate offenders, the Correctional Services Department (CSD) encourages adult offenders to pursue studies after their work. It provides assistance, through CSD staff and volunteers, to those who voluntarily participate in educational activities.

     Prisoners can apply for financial assistance from the Prisoners' Education Trust Fund for courses offered by external bodies including tertiary education institutions and public examinations leading to qualifications.

     In the past year, 240 candidates from SPP sat for various distance learning courses and public examinations. They obtained a total of 408 certificates, of which 76 were merits.

     At the ceremony today, 125 certificates were presented to 92 inmates. They obtained 52 distinctions and credits from the Open University of Hong Kong and in the City and Guilds of London Institute Examinations and the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination. The certificates covered a variety of subjects such as languages (Chinese language, English language and Putonghua), mathematics, Chinese history, geography, business, Buddhist studies, visual arts, integrated humanities, business finance, business statistics, business administration, software applications, accounting and bookkeeping.

    "We have witnessed the inmates' efforts and determination to lead a rehabilitated life. Over the years, the department has been attaching great importance to its multi-purpose rehabilitation services for inmates to help them reintegrate into society," the Chairman of the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon, Dr Albert Kong, said while officiating at the ceremony today.

     He said Lok Sin Tong has all along been supporting offenders' rehabilitation. He called on the public to accept rehabilitated offenders and help them reintegrate into society by giving them equal employment opportunities.

     Also officiating at the ceremony were the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Sin Yat-kin, and representatives of community organisations and celebrities.

     Situated at 47 Shek Pik Reservoir Road, Lantau Island, SPP, a maximum security institution, has a capacity of 426 penal places for male adult prisoners.

Ends/Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:53

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The Chairman of the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon, Dr Albert Kong, presents academic certificates to an inmate representative at the certificate presentation ceremony in Shek Pik Prison today (December 7).