Memorandum of understanding signed to facilitate continuous education of students in custody

The Correctional Services Department and eight University Grants Committee-funded universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Monday to establish a long-term partnership, so as to facilitate the continuous education of persons in custody who were university students before imprisonment and wish to continue their studies.

The signing of the document will enable the CSD to provide more comprehensive support for persons in custody’s studies including assisting those in need of credit transfers for continuing their studies at their respective universities after release.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said that the signing demonstrates the determination and efforts of the CSD and the universities in helping young persons in custody reintegrate into society.

“[It] will enable young persons in custody to continue their studies, through which they will be nurtured to have an aspiring mind-set and positive thinking, so that they can contribute to Hong Kong and the country,” said Tang.

The Convenor of the Heads of Universities Committee and the President of Lingnan University, Leonard Cheng Kwok-hon, said that education provides young persons in custody with the opportunity for personal progress and success, thereby bringing them a sense of purpose, achievement and hope for living a meaningful life after release.

He is confident that more young persons in custody will benefit from the opportunities of continuous education with the commitment of the UGC-funded universities being made under the framework of the document.