Young persons in custody (PICs) at Lai King Correctional Institution (LKCI) of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (September 20) in recognition of their efforts and achievements in studies and vocational examinations.

     In the past year, 33 PICs of the institution sat for various academic and vocational examinations including the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination, the Aptis-British Council English Assessment Test and the General Aptitude Putonghua Shuiping Kaoshi, and obtained vocational certificates covering Food and Beverage Services, Coffee Making and Latte Art Training, Bakery and Pastry Making, Cantonese Cooking as well as Beauty Care organised by the Christian Action and the Vocational Training Council. During the year, the PICs attained 37 merits out of 122 certificates obtained. In the ceremony today, 15 PICs were presented with 59 certificates, of which 21 were marked with merits. 

     Officiating at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Hong Kong Shanxi Chamber of Commerce (HKSXCC), Mr Ng Tang, said that the HKSXCC is fully supportive of the rehabilitation work of the CSD, and set up a subsidy scheme named the HKSXCC - Igniting Hope Education Fund in August 2022, with the aim to support needy PICs to pursue continuing education and vocational training. He encouraged the young PICs to better equip themselves through education and prepare for re-entering society with the support of their families and the staff of the CSD.

     During the ceremony, members of the marching band displayed their effort through a music performance to show their gratitude to their family and correctional officers for their unwavering support. Moreover, PICs put their training into practice and showed traditional Chinese culture through a delicate Chinese tea ceremony demonstration on stage. In the sharing session, a PIC representative expressed wholehearted gratitude to their family members and CSD staff for their support. A parent representative also shared her happiness of witnessing the positive changes of her daughter while undergoing training in LKCI. 

     Also attending the ceremony were representatives of non-governmental and community organisations, community leaders and family members of the certificate recipients.

     LKCI accommodates young female PICs aged from 14 to under 21. The Department provides half-day education programmes and half-day vocational training for PICs to help them rehabilitate and prepare for their reintegration into society.

Ends/Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Issued at HKT 20:20

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