The Correctional Services Department today presented certificates to individuals in custody as it held the Ethics College’s first graduation ceremony at Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution.

All of the college’s first batch of 75 students were successful in completing the Diploma of Applied Education programme. They comprised 60 male inmates of Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution and 15 female inmates of Lo Wu Correctional Institution.

Addressing the ceremony, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung extended his congratulations to the graduates.

He said the students’ achievements offered a demonstration of their perseverance and determination to transform themselves, and of their resolute belief in preparing for a new life.

He encouraged the graduates to maintain a proactive and positive attitude in facing future challenges, embark on a new chapter of their lives, and contribute to society.

The security chief also praised the department’s staff for their efforts not only in organising and overseeing the inmates’ studies, as well as career planning talks and extra-curricular activities, but also for setting up a flag-raising team at the college to enhance students’ sense of national identity.

He said the department will continue to provide whole-person education for a second batch of 75 students, and will also explore the introduction of courses to increase the upward mobility of inmates after their reintegration to society.

In a sharing session, students thanked their family members and correctional officers for their support and encouragement, which they said reinforced their determination to make positive changes and complete the programme.