On parade for inspection

Some 1,000 high schoolers will have their respect for discipline, self-confidence and interpersonal skills boosted under the Smart Teen Challenge Camp.

Run by the Police Training School and the Education Department, the camp is bringing a comprehensive training programme to the students from April this year to April 2001.

Accompanied by their teachers, the students go to PTS to attend a five-night residential course receiving training in footdrills, exercise, first aid, leadership and other skills, and a briefing on the government structure and the disciplined forces.

Officers coach the youngsters through discussions on stress management and problem solving, better ways of efficient communication and team spirit. They also highlighted the problems of drugs, triads and common juvenile crimes, advising them to keep away.

So far, 353 students have attended and questionnaires show response to the programme has been overwhelming. Respondents said they were personally enriched and found the instructors very caring, while many said they came to realise the importance of discipline, team work and taking a more positive attitude to life and striving for goals.

The Department handled the nomination of students while PTS organised the on-campus training activities such as abseiling. Outside, other fun activities took place such as rafting.

Mathematics teacher Ng To-hei of Tsuen Wan's S.K.H. Li Ping Secondary School said: "I was surprised to see the qualities and potential demonstrated by some of my students during the camp and I really hope that they'll be enlightened by this once-in-a-lifetime experience and continue to improve themselves in different areas.

"We've taken photos and videotaped the whole programme and will incorporate these into a package so the experience can be shared with other students in our school."

Programme co-ordinator Senior Inspector Lam Chi-yin of PTS' Recruit Police Constable Training Section said he was delighted with the course's popularity.

"There was a really noticeable change among the students from the first day. I was surprised to see them mature considerably in such a short time," he said, adding many also gave thank you cards to officers.

"The youngsters also made friends with students from other schools and fostered better relationships with their own teachers.

Having guided the youths through the footdrill lessons, Sergeant Chu Wing-sum said he was 'rejuvenated' by the youngsters and got a better understanding of their generation."

"This could be a plus for my work in teaching young recruit constables," he said.