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The Correctional Services Department has officially opened its Lai Sun Correctional Institution (LSCI) Vocational Training Centre which provides prisoners with full-time pre-release vocational training.
Located on Hei Ling Chau, LSCI vocational training centre is now a minimum-security institution for adult male prisoners.
The centre provides various courses on business and technical training for prisoners two years before discharge. Participants who have completed the courses and passed the skills certification examinations will obtain accredited certificates issued by relevant authorities. Local male prisoners aged 21 or above can apply to take the courses on a voluntary basis.
Speaking at today's (July 14) opening ceremony, the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Pang Sung-yuen, said that with the establishment of LSCI, the department's first vocational training centre, rehabilitation services had reached a higher and more professional level.
"One of the important themes of the new correctional focus, with the aim of helping rehabilitated offenders reintegrate into society, is to execute a common social responsibility by integrating the resources and manpower of the community," Mr Pang said.
The penal population at institutions for young offenders has been decreasing in recent years despite prisons generally being continuously overcrowded.
"After careful consideration and comprehensive planning, we converted Lai Sun, formerly a prison and drug addiction treatment centre for youths, into a market-oriented job training centre in order to use government resources more effectively, to put into effect this new thinking, to cater to the needs of rehabilitated offenders and to help them solve their employment difficulties," Mr Pang said.
The centre provides 260 training places with courses and lessons on a wide range of trades. At present, these include mechanical craft, food and beverage services (Western style), kitchen assistant training, printing and desktop publishing, computer skills training and hairdressing. Courses on clerical training and commercial studies, painting and decorating, air-conditioning and refrigeration as well as electrical fitting and installation will be provided at a later stage.
Tuition is given by qualified tutors.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony was Superintendent (LSCI) Mr Mathias Chan.
"Acquisition of skills and certificates by inmates after completion of training will help equip them for the future and enhance their competitiveness and self-confidence. It will be easier for them to reintegrate into society too," Mr Chan said.
Today's event included a cheque presentation ceremony to mark the donation of $1.04 million from Care of Rehabilitated Offenders Association and $200,000 from Mr Deacon Lo Woo-lui and Mrs Lo to the Prisoners' Welfare Fund administered by the department.
Mr Pang thanked donors for their support over the years, saying donations from community organisations and individuals showed their support for vocational training and rehabilitative services.
Ends/Friday, July 14, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:00
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