PUCI persons in custody attain good examination results

     Twenty-five young persons in custody at Pik Uk Correctional Institution of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (December 18) in recognition of their efforts and academic achievements. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), Dr Ken Tsoi, was invited to officiate at the ceremony.
      
     In the past year, 104 persons in custody sat for various academic and vocational examinations including the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination, examinations of the Open University of Hong Kong, the Aptis English Assessment Test of the British Council and examinations organised by City and Guilds International Limited, the Vocational Training Council, the Construction Industry Council and other examination bodies. The examinations covered the subjects of Computer Literacy, Hairstyling, Elementary Cantonese Cooking and Kitchen Operations, Basic Laundry Skills and the Intermediate Trade Test in Joiner. They achieved 225 passes including 25 merits. Seven persons in custody sat for 41 papers of the HKDSE Examination this year, obtaining level 2 or above in 34 papers, representing 82.9 per cent of all papers taken. One candidate obtained 23 marks overall in six papers taken. The 25 persons in custody who were presented with certificates today had passed 75 papers, 11 of which resulted in merits.
      
     Dr Tsoi said that the CSD is committed to providing safe custody and appropriate rehabilitation programmes to help persons in custody integrate into society. As such, the TWGHs in collaboration with the CSD has set up a subsidy scheme, namely the TWGHs Positive Life Education Fund, with a total donation of $1.2 million comprising $200,000 in 2018-19 and $200,000 in each of the next five years to the Prisoners' Welfare Fund to provide financial assistance for needy persons in custody pursuing studies. A cheque presentation ceremony was held to present the donation of $200,000 for 2019-20 during the ceremony.
      
     In addition, Dr Tsoi encouraged the young persons in custody to uphold the spirit of "Be determined to revive, unleash your full potential", and start a new life through focusing on gaining knowledge and preparation for re-entering society with the support of their families and the staff of the CSD.
      
     During the ceremony, persons in custody spoke on their determination to turn over a new leaf with the support of their families and staff members of the CSD by making use of the knowledge and skills learnt in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education course provided by the institution to produce a 3D mapping video with sketches and computer images. The mother of a person in custody also expressed her joy at seeing the positive changes in her son. The band Splash, composed of persons in custody, performed to convey gratitude to all those helping them in rehabilitation.