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Eighty-five inmates were today (May 9) presented with certificates for vocational training courses at a ceremony in Lai Sun Correctional Institution (LSCI) Vocational Training Centre in recognition of their academic and vocational achievements.
They obtained a total of 175 certificates for various vocational training courses they have completed.
Speaking at the certificate presentation ceremony, the Superintendent of the institution, Mr Wong Wai-hung, noted that five ex-prisoners were awarded the 2007 LCCI International Qualifications Medallion Prize in recognition of their excellent results obtained in the book-keeping examination. Two of them were awarded the Gold Medallion while the other three received the Silver Medallion.
The examination subjects included hairdressing, mechanical craft, food and beverage service, junior cook, book-keeping and accounts, printing and desktop publishing, electrical fitting and installation, air-conditioning and refrigeration, and language and information technology application.
Mr Wong said: "In the past year, inmates of the centre obtained 459 certificates in the public examination with remarkable results and the overall passing rate was 94%. More than 200 of these certificates were passed with distinctions or credits. Some inmates have been discharged and reintegrated into society with gainful employment."
"Inmates are encouraged to participate in public examinations because the certificates they obtain are proof of their enhanced employability. This can help them find jobs and reintegrate into the community after release."
Presenting certificates to the inmates, the wife of Rev Deacon Peter Lo, said: "Each of these certificates has proved the achievement of your efforts. I believe all of you are capable of finding a bright future for yourselves as well as for your families and making contributions to the community."
"Helping inmates reintegrate into society and stay away from crime is a long-term and challenging job, and I believe we can achieve it through enhanced public participation in rehabilitative services, public acceptance and support for offender rehabilitation."
During the ceremony, Rev and Mrs Lo also donated $100,000 to the Prisoners' Education Trust Fund administered by the Correctional Services Department which is to provide needy prisoners with financial assistance for various educational pursuits.
Situated on Hei Ling Chau Island, LSCI Vocational Training Centre is the first place which, as a trial run project, functions as a full-time pre-release vocational training centre for male adult offenders. The institution provides market-oriented training courses tailor-made to enhance inmates' employability after release.
Ends/Friday, May 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:30
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