CSD and UGC-funded universities sign MoU to facilitate continuous education of university students in custody (with photos)

     The Correctional Services Department (CSD) and eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today (April 17) to establish a long-term partnership, so as to facilitate the continuous education of persons in custody (PICs) who were students of the universities before imprisonment and wish to continue their studies.

     The CSD has been committed to providing appropriate rehabilitation programmes and encouraging PICs to pursue further studies. The signing of the MoU will enable the CSD to provide more comprehensive support for PICs' studies including assisting remorseful students in custody in need in credit transfers for continuing their studies at respective universities after release.

     The MoU was signed by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing, and the Presidents/representatives of the eight UGC-funded universities, and witnessed by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, and the Chairman of the Research Grants Council, Professor Wong Yuk-shan, on behalf of the UGC.

     Mr Tang said that the signing of the MoU demonstrates the determination and efforts of the CSD and the universities in helping young PICs reintegrate into society. The MoU will enable young PICs to continue their studies, through which they will be nurtured to have an aspiring mind-set and positive thinking, so that they can contribute to Hong Kong and the country.

     Professor Wong said that this partnership between the CSD and the UGC-funded universities is a testament to the shared belief that education has the power to change lives for the better. He commended the two sides for their unwavering commitment to education and willingness to participate in this transformative initiative. He believes that by investing in the education of PICs, it will bring a brighter future for them, their families, and eventually the community as a whole.

     The Convenor of the Heads of Universities Committee and the President of Lingnan University, Professor Leonard Cheng, said that education provides young PICs with the opportunity for personal progress and success, thereby bringing them a sense of purpose, achievement and hope for living a meaningful life after release. He is confident that more young PICs will benefit from the opportunities of continuous education with the commitment of the UGC-funded universities being made under the framework of the MoU.