ENG-2001 — Page 419

PUBLIC ORDER

the Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution in 1999. Upon release, inmates must have suitable employment, education or vocational training and are subject to a statutory period of supervision of three years.

An effective detention centre programme is carried out at the Sha Tsui Detention Centre for young male offenders aged between 14 and 20, and young male adults aged between 21 and 24. It emphasises strict discipline, strenuous training, hard work and a vigorous routine. After release, detainees are subject to a statutory supervision period of one year.

To provide an additional sentencing option for the courts in dealing with young offenders, the department is developing a new short-term residential rehabilitation programme to be known as the Rehabilitation Centres programme. The relevant legislation was passed by the Legislative Council in May. The programme is expected to become operational in 2002.

Education

Inmates aged under 21 are required to attend educational classes conducted by qualified teachers. For education classes, textbooks approved by the Education Department and supplementary materials compiled by the CSD are used. To match the development of inmates at different levels and ages, a wide spectrum of curricula is offered. Adult inmates may attend evening classes on a voluntary basis. Self-study packages and distance learning courses including degree courses offered by local and overseas academic institutes are also available.

All inmates are encouraged to take part in both local and overseas public examinations organised by the Hong Kong Examinations Authority as well as other local and overseas authorities. Young inmates may attend formal classes up to certificate level and sit for the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination as school candidates. Adult inmates may sit for the examination as private candidates. Inmates may obtain accreditation by way of public examinations held by the City and Guilds International UK, Pitman Qualifications UK or the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

A Prisoners' Education Trust Fund set up with charitable donations in 1995 provides financial assistance to prisoners in educational pursuits, in the form of grants to cover course or examination fees, and expenses on reference books.

Vocational Training

To help young offenders to reintegrate smoothly into society as law abiding citizens, the department provides vocational training programmes for inmates aged under 21 to enable them to learn job skills, obtain accreditation and develop work habits.

The CSD offers various training courses that match with the inmates' learning ability and needs. All vocational training courses meet the demands of the commercial and industrial sectors in Hong Kong, so that inmates can have a better opportunity for employment upon discharge. Some courses also help inmates to sit for the City and Guilds International UK or Pitman Qualifications UK examinations and to gain accreditations, or to attain the prerequisite level required for enrolling in relevant courses of the Vocational Training Council. Other training courses are also provided to prepare inmates for employment or for vocational tests conducted by the Vocational Training Council and the Construction Industry Training Authority.

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