Young persons in custody obtain satisfactory results in HKDSE Examination (with photos)

     The results of the 2018 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination were released today (July 11). Young persons in custody obtained satisfactory results in the examination this year.
 
     A total of 16 young persons in custody from Pik Uk Correctional Institution, Cape Collinson Correctional Institution and Lai King Correctional Institution enrolled in this year's HKDSE Examination. They took a total of 93 examination papers and obtained level 2 or above in 67 papers, or 72 per cent of all papers taken, with one of them obtaining level 5 in Economics. One candidate at Lai King Correctional Institution scored 21 marks overall in the six papers taken – the highest score obtained by a young person in custody in this year's examination as well as the highest by a female young person in custody in all the past examinations.
 
     Exams sat included the four core subjects of Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and Liberal Studies, as well as the two electives of Economics and Tourism and Hospitality Studies.
 
     Education has long been provided by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) to help young persons in custody further their studies, find jobs and reintegrate into society after their release.
 
     The Superintendent of Lai King Correctional Institution, Mr Edmund Sun, said, "Study prepares persons in custody for their reintegration into society, and academic qualifications obtained in public examinations improve their chances of finding jobs or furthering their studies."
 
     The preparation of young persons in custody for the HKDSE Examination is not an easy task, Mr Sun added. In the process, the persons in custody demonstrate their determination and perseverance in overcoming learning difficulties. Family support as well as guidance and assistance from CSD staff and teachers are also very important to them. In addition to gaining accredited qualifications, it is imperative that young persons in custody are able to establish positive attitudes and values through participation in examinations, Mr Sun said. He encouraged young persons in custody to continue seizing the chance to study and strive for a better future. He also called on the public to give rehabilitated offenders equal opportunities and support their reintegration into society.
 
     The department provides a half-day education programme and half-day vocational training for young persons in custody under the age of 21. Guidance and assistance are also in place for adult persons in custody, who are encouraged to participate in studies on a voluntary basis.
 
     To keep in line with the development of Hong Kong education, the CSD has initiated the New Senior Secondary curriculum in phases at correctional institutions and helps young persons in custody sit the HKDSE Examination. Young persons in custody are given the same opportunity to study at correctional institutions as students in mainstream schools.