The joint effort takes the form of "Project Marching-on", under which the students take part in exercises related to discipline, training and development of mind, ranging from foot drill, visits to recreational activities.

As well as foot drill, 150 Form I students from three secondary schools supporting the project were also taking part in basketball matches and other activities organised by the volunteer workers. On top of these was a two-day cultural exchange visit to the Mainland in March this year.

Last month, Kowloon West Chief Superintendent (Auxiliary) Chow Chor-hing inspected a parade of "Project Marching-on" members in a secondary school in the district. Lending themselves to the event were Kwun Tong District Councillors, members of the Kwun Tong District Fight Crime Committee and students' parents. Following the parade was a barbecue gathering, where the guests, teachers and students shared their views of learning as well as the challenges of youth's growth.

SMPDIST Commander Choy Kin-cheung has been greatly encouraged by the support rendered to the project by secondary school principals in his district. He said that the project not only had made students more aware of discipline, team spirit and value, but also had strengthened co-operation between schools and the police in preventing youngsters from going astray.

Encouraged by their success and with more resources available, SMPDIST plans to extend "Project Marching-on" to primary VI students when the new school term begins in September.

Project co-ordinator Senior Inspector (Auxiliary) Chan Hin-him said the project provided a good opportunity for auxiliary officers to repay society for the training and valuable experiences they had received, by assisting in youth's healthy growth.

Foot drill in a school