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Young inmates of Pik Uk Correctional Institution (PUCI) were today (December 15) presented with academic and vocational certificates.
A total of 172 inmates from PUCI sat for various examinations for academic and vocational qualifications over the past 12 months. Among the 265 certificates obtained, 64 were merit certificates.
Today, 67 inmates were presented with certificates for 119 examination papers. They obtained 49 distinctions and credits, as well as 70 passes in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE), General Certificate of Education Examinations offered by University of Cambridge International Examinations, City and Guilds of London Institute Examinations, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examinations as well as skill recognition offered by the Vocational Training Council.
They achieved good results in Chinese, English, Mathematics, Commerce, Economics, Travel and Tourism, Word Processing and Business Communication, Computer Applications, City and Guilds Vocational Qualifications and Kitchen Assistant Certificate. The pass rate in HKCEE this year of 81% was the highest in the past decade.
An officiating guest at the ceremony, Dr Allen Shi Lop-tak, said the Correctional Services Department (CSD) provided suitable training and guidance for offenders as part of its continuous efforts to rehabilitate them. The training and guidance could help inmates re-integrate into society after discharge and be self-reliant, he said.
Dr Shi said: "It will greatly help offenders to re-integrate into society if they obtain recognised qualifications through vocational training and education programmes, and CSD has been enhancing services in this area. To name one, PUCI launched the New Senior Secondary Curriculum this September."
On vocational training, Dr Shi said that CSD had provided more diverse skills-training courses such as computer-aided drawing and hair-styling so that inmates could find jobs more easily after their discharge.
Located on 399 Clearwater Bay Road, Sai Kung, PUCI 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 15, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:06
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