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The multi-media language laboratory at Lai King Training Centre that will accommodate 24 inmates per session is expected to be completed in five months at a cost of about $1.3 million.
"Most inmates admitted to Lai King Training Centre, which has a population of about 300, are characterised by their low educational level, especially in both Chinese and English language ability because of their early drop out from school.
"The inadequacy in language ability is a major hindrance for them to attain better chances of employment or further schooling, which in turn makes it difficult for them to lead a decent and industrious life after their discharge from the centre," the spokesman said.
"A properly equipped language laboratory with modern teaching equipment is considered essential in providing inmates with proper language training," he added.
Since its first donation of $130,000 in 1979, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has donated more than $31 million to CSD for projects.
In addition to the language laboratories, recent Trust-fund projects included the establishment of a Prisoners' Education Trust Fund in 1992, the setting up of computer training rooms at CSD institutions at Cape Collinson and Pik Uk in 1996, and the provision of an Inmates-Parents Centre at Tai Tam Correctional Institution by early next year.
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Deadline for chop design competition drawing near
Entries for a chop design competition jointly organised by the Home Affairs Department (HAD) and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service should be submitted before April 7.
An HAD spokesman said the deadline was extended from March 31 to April 7 to enable more people to join the competition.
The competition is aimed at enhancing public understanding of the social services available in Hong Kong and arousing interest in volunteer work.