The Mainland and Overseas Summer Course Sponsorship Scheme (MOSCS) offers a good opportunity for officers' children to gain more exposure to different cultures, broaden their horizons and boost their confidence and communication skills.

MOSCS is now open for application, with a total of 93 places available. Applicants are advised to familiarise with the terms and conditions before submitting an application.

MOSCS is also open to children of Superintendents and below on a proportional basis. The children should be aged 12 to 21 on the date of application and have not been sponsored by the Police Welfare Fund for summer courses. Allocation of sponsored places is one for SSP and SP, nine for CIP, SIP or IP, and 83 for JPO.

Completed application forms should be sent to CSP PS&SR (Attn: EO SUP 2), Personnel Services and Staff Relations Branch, before Friday, May 23.

Parents and children may choose the courses on the Mainland or overseas, except Macao and Taiwan, subject to endorsement by the Force. General sightseeing tours will not be supported.

Students need to submit copies of their school reports of the previous academic year (2006-2007) as supporting documents of their above average performance at school.

Successful applicants will be chosen by ballot if the number of applicants exceeds the available quota.

If both parents are police officers, only one of them is eligible for making an application.

The maximum sponsored amounts are $3,000 for a successful application by a JPO, $2,000 for that by a CIP, SIP or IP and $1,000 for that by a SSP or SP, or 70 per cent of the course fee, whichever is lesser.

The ballot will take place on Friday, June 6 in PS&SR Branch and the results will be announced by PEN and individual notices.

The course programme must be organised by a reputable and bona fide institution or organisation. Successful applicants will have to submit course details and confirmation of a place to CSP PS&SR (Attn: EO SUP 2) no later than June 27.

Sponsorship will be payable by the Finance Division on receipt of documentary proof. Any successful applicant who has not attended the course for reasons not accepted by the Force has to refund the sponsorship in full.

For enquiries, contact PS&SR Branch on 2860-3200 or Miss Jess Chung, EO SUP 2, on 2860-3332.