8th January 2025 – (Hong Kong) Thirty-eight individuals in custody at Stanley Prison, operated by the Correctional Services Department (CSD), were honoured today with certificates acknowledging their commitment to furthering their education.
In 2024, a total of 158 inmates at Stanley Prison successfully completed 179 examinations, achieving 64 distinctions and credits across various subjects. These courses, which included language and literature, English for business, and business finance and accounting, were organised by Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) and the Caritas Institute of Community Education.
Among the 38 awarded certificates today, the group collectively passed 67 papers, with 36 distinctions and credits. Notably, one inmate received a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies, while two others were awarded Associate Degrees in the same field. Additionally, one inmate was conferred a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree by the HKMU, marking a significant milestone as the first inmate to obtain a doctorate from a local university. This achievement followed 20 years of distance learning, initiated in 2004, and was celebrated at the ceremony by HKMU President Professor Paul Lam and Dean of the School of Education and Languages Professor Andy Chin.
At the ceremony, Ms Mandy Tang, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), highlighted the CSD’s ongoing efforts to support inmates in their educational pursuits. She noted the collaboration with community partners and non-governmental organisations to provide a range of rehabilitation programmes aimed at facilitating reintegration into society. The TWGHs established the Positive Life Education Fund in 2019, which has provided financial support for education and vocational training. Ms Tang announced an extension of this subsidy scheme for an additional five years to further bolster rehabilitation efforts.
The event featured performances by inmates, including a duet with Chinese musical instrument instructors Kong Kin-pan and Yeung Chun-hin, as well as a band comprising inmates from Stanley Prison. Music instructor Eric Monson also collaborated with inmates for an a cappella performance.
During a sharing session, the doctorate awardee recounted his rehabilitation journey and expressed gratitude to his family for their steadfast support. He shared insights into his academic perseverance, thanking the correctional officers for their encouragement and resources that enabled him to complete his studies. He expressed hope that his experience would inspire fellow inmates to pursue self-improvement and remain resilient in the face of challenges.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from non-governmental and community organisations, community leaders, and family members of the certificate recipients.
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