Patrick Lee, with PC Mo and WPCs Chan and Chu

Need a new challenge? Then join the Raleigh expedition and taste life in developing countries and boost your potential.

Three officers recently did - Commercial Crime Bureau Police Constable Mo Kit sampled Chile in October 1999, while Castle Peak Divisional Investigation Team One Woman PC Chu Man-ching went to Namibia last July along with Lei Muk Shue Divisional Investigation Team Three WPC Vivian Chan Yiu-man.

PC Mo said:"Although physically demanding, Chile was full of challenges and satisfaction. We even climbed a snowy mountain with an outdated map! It was really difficult and we were so exhausted at the end. Despite my Police training I found the Raleigh journey a challenge to my physical fitness, will and patience."

PC Mo recalled an incident when their local guide accidentally dropped all their food on an isolated island and left.

"Our team leader, who lost two fingers in a previous adventure, worked really hard to figure out a solution, leading us across the river with a rope to retrieve our food. His bravery was very admirable and drove me to complete the hard journey.

"Another challenge we faced was getting on with people of different backgrounds. I learned how to solve problems through communication and co-operation."

WPC Chu said what impressed her most was the optimistic nature of the Namibian people.

"Our team was responsible for rebuilding a school. We spent time teaching and playing with the children during our lunch breaks and, although very poor, their big smiles showed they were much happier than many people living in big cities.

"My time in Namibia allowed me to review my life and my way of doing things, a chance to refresh myself and become a more optimistic, easy-going person."

Meanwhile, WPC Chan helped with environmental protection work in the country, assisting at a clinic for penguins and digging two ponds for a conservation park. However, she required medical treatment for her legs after one operation in which she carried too many heavy items over too long a distance.

"Despite the pain, I have a lot of fond memories of my Namibian trip, such as the country's beautiful natural scenery, its boundless desert and clear skies filled with stars," she said.

"And the valuable experience also helped me mature. I learned a lot about life and myself and therefore I treasure everything I have, such as my family, friendships and every opportunity that knocks."

Senior Inspector Patrick Lee Chung-wah, a local volunteer for Raleigh International, said the scheme developed participants' potential through a host of activities such as fund raising for their trip, and community service alongside scientists on environmental protection and humanitarian projects.

People 17 to 25 could join the project as venturers, while those aged 25 or above could join as volunteer staff. Officers interested can contact SIP Lee on 8109-2991 or call Raleigh on 8208-6026.