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Certificates were presented to 67 inmates at a ceremony in Stanley Prison (SP) today (January 21) in recognition of their academic achievements.
Apart from successfully completing 46 courses of The Open University of Hong Kong with a total of 150 credit points attained, they also passed 88 examination papers of the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination, City and Guilds, LCCI and The Hong Kong Institute of Accredited Accounting Technicians in 2008, and obtained a total of 34 distinctions and credits.
They sat for a variety of examinations on subjects such as book-keeping and accounts, Chinese language, mathematics and Chinese history.
Two inmates attained Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing and Master of Education degrees from the Open University of Hong Kong.
Presenting certificates to the inmates, Chairman of The Yuen Yuen Institute, Dr Tong Wai-ki said their good results fully reflected their perseverance for further studies and would be recognised by the community.
"I appreciate very much the continuous resources given by the Correctional Services Department to those who are keen on studying and equipping themselves for rehabilitation, during which support from families and community is very important.
"The Yuen Yuen Institute recognises the department's aspiration, mission and values and supports its rehabilitation work. I hope more people and organisations in the community will join us and participate in rehabilitative services, so that prisoners will have a better chance for re-integration into society as law-abiding citizens," he added.
Dr Tong encouraged the inmates to further pursue their aspirations to meet the expectations of the department, their families and the public.
Also taking part in the ceremony were inmates' families, representatives of community organisations and celebrities as well as the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Kwok Leung-ming.
As part of its continuous efforts to rehabilitate offenders, the 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.
Ends/Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:03
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