Chance for junior formers to learn outside classroom
To enhance the self-esteem and discipline of lower form students, the Education Department will organise 20 Smart Teen Challenge Camps with the Civil Aid Services and the Police Training School this year.
The project was initiated last summer by the Education Department with the Hong Kong Police Force and 100 participants were recruited for each of the 10 camps held at the Police Training School in Wong Chuk Hang.
Run by experienced police instructors who have undergone training in adolescent problem- solving and counselling, the courses have been a great success.
Aside from discipline and physical training, the camps, which consist of programmes such as hiking, tent-pitching, orienteering and obstacle races, are also designed to develop participants' leadership and interpersonal skills.
Director of Education Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said the camp would especially benefit students whose behaviour had caused concern.
Ten identical four-day camps will be held from April to June for 900 Form One students from 30 schools.
Another 10 six-day camps will be held from July to February next year for 750 Form Two and Three students.
Teachers from each participating school will be invited to join the camp to observe the training and support their students.
The Education Department has received a zealous response from schools in various districts.
'The training camps will provide an opportunity for students to learn outside the classroom,' Mr Cheung said.
