CSD to hold Rehabilitation Division 20th Anniversary Open Day and Rehabilitation Pioneer Leaders Inauguration Ceremony

     The Rehabilitation Division 20th Anniversary Open Day and Rehabilitation Pioneer Leaders Inauguration Ceremony hosted by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) took place today (July 7) at its Staff Training Institute in Stanley. The event was officiated by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee. Around 300 participants including representatives of different community parties and school teachers and students gave tribute to the Rehabilitation Division (RD) on her 20th anniversary as well as the inauguration of Rehabilitation Pioneer Leader (RPL), the first youth uniformed group established under CSD's Rehabilitation Pioneer Project (RPP) with their presence.

     Since her establishment in 1998, RD has committed to mapping out long-term and timely development strategies for providing effective rehabilitation programmes. RD has also been promoting the message of supporting rehabilitation and preventing crimes by engaging community partners and launching a series of campaigns with a hope of refining the rehabilitation services. This year marks the 20th Anniversary of RD. Therefore, CSD imparted her missions and informed the general public of her development on the Open Day.

     CSD has implemented RPP for 10 years since 2008 targeting at secondary school students and teenagers to disseminate the message of "abiding to the law, staying away from drug, and supporting rehabilitation" by various community education activities. Around 310 000 students from over 300 secondary schools have taken part in activities of RPP. RPL will carry the impact of RPP even further by recruiting and nurturing teenagers with great potential of leadership.

     The recruitment of the first cohort of the RPLs targeting at Form Three students commenced at the end of last year. By referrals made by their respective schools, which have been participated in the RPP, 30 students were selected to form the current team. Mr Lee encouraged the newly appointed RPLs to stay firm with their commitment regardless of the obstacles ahead and exercise their leadership while engaging in the training. They are also encouraged to promote law-abiding values and support for rehabilitation. Appointment certificates were then presented to the Executive Directors and the leader of RPL, followed by the oath taking ceremony of the members of RPL by Mr Lee.

     The event also featured a graffiti contest sponsored by New Life Charitable Foundation. The contest aimed to provide a platform on which the contestants, some of whom were young rehabilitated persons, could display their artistic talent and boost self-confidence. It was as well an occasion for promoting inclusive society by recognising the contestants' effort. The winning graffiti will be displayed along the outer wall of the Community Education Centre annexed to the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum.

     The newly furnished Community Education Centre was opened by Mr Lee. It has been established since 2002 and the refurbishment was concluded lately to showcase the merging ideas of correction and rehabilitation, which included the AR explication by providing a brand-new visual experience to show the harmful effect of drugs on youths.