Four young inmates from Pik Uk and six from Cape Collinson correctional institutions took 60 examination papers in the Diploma of Secondary Education Examination, and obtained level 2 or above in 37 of them, including one with level 5*, three with level 4 and nine with level 3.

The Correctional Services Department said the inmates studied four core subjects of Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and Liberal Studies, and two electives in Economics and Tourism & Hospitality.

The department’s Assistant Commissioner (Rehabilitation) Tang Ping-ming said young inmates obtained satisfactory results in the examination, and education the department provides helps young inmates further their studies, find jobs and reintegrate into society after release.

Mr Tang encouraged inmates to keep up their efforts to attain good results, as they have the same study opportunities in correctional institutions as do other school students. He also called on the public to give inmates and rehabilitated offenders equal opportunities and to accept and support their reintegration into society.

The department initiated the New Senior Secondary curriculum in the Pik Uk and Cape Collinson correctional institutions in 2010 and 2011 to help young inmates sit for the Diploma of Secondary Education Examination this year.

The department provides a half-day compulsory education programme and half-day vocational training for young offenders under the age of 21. Guidance and assistance are also available for adult offenders who participate in studies on a voluntary basis.