Don’t begrudge Hong Kong’s young offenders a second chance
Paul Yip’s visit to a correctional services centre for Hong Kong youth brings home the need to tap their evident skills and talent for the greater good, so they remain useful members of society
I recently visited the Cape Collinson training centre for young offenders with other members of my department at the University of Hong Kong. Our aim was to explore collaborative work with the Correctional Services Department, to better understand and improve the rehabilitation service provided for these youth.
Established in 1958, the centre provides training for young offenders aged 14-20, to prepare them for reintegration into society after they have served their sentences, which range from six months to three years.
Our lunch was prepared by inmates and the quality was as good as, if not better than, that in a five-star hotel
We met young inmates enrolled in different training schemes, from learning to be a hairdresser and a qualified electrician to making Hong Kong milk tea. These young people have broken the law and are being punished, but they are also being given the necessary training and support to have another chance in life.
Our lunch was prepared by inmates and the quality was as good as, if not better than, that in a five-star hotel. Their preparation of Hong Kong’s iconic milk tea was especially impressive.
Some inmates who did not complete their high school education are being given a chance to do so.
READ MORE: Young Hong Kong offenders at times must be given harsh prison sentences
