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Prisoners' Education Trust Fund passes its 3rd reading
More financial resources would be available to prisoners who wished to further pursue their academic studies in prisons following the passage of Prisoners' Education Trust Fund Bill at the Legislative Council today (Wednesday).
A government spokesman said today that the Fund was part of a scheme to encourage prisoners to obtain better educational qualifications while in prison.
The aim was to help them better prepare for reintegration into the community upon their release from prison, he said.
"At present, young offenders aged between 14 and 21 are provided with general and vocational courses in penal institutions on a compulsory basis.
"However, some prisoners, in particular adult prisoners, were unable to pursue academic studies through the lack of money," he pointed out.
"Opportunities for academic pursuits are offered to adult offenders on a voluntary basis. These are provided in the form of remedial classes, correspondence courses and self-study courses.
"Although every assistance is provided to prisoners in their academic studies, it is not possible for the Correctional Services Department (CSD) to cater for the individual needs of every prisoners, such as conducting courses at an appropriate level or purchasing books and similar materials for a particular prisoner," he said.
"With the establishment of the Prisoners' Education Trust Fund, financial assistance would be provided to prisoners for academic pursuits and will be used to set up appropriate educational facilities, such as computer room and language laboratory, for use by prisoners," the spokesman said.
"The Fund will be available for all prisoners although it is intended primarily to assist those adult offenders with no alternative educational opportunities available," he added.
Donations amounting to $1.31 millions have been offered by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club ($1.01 million), the Hongkong Bank (0.25 million) and Duty Free Shoppers Limited (0.05 million) to set up the Fund.
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