| Form Two student Ip Miu-kam used to be careless about everything from housekeeping to homework. But she has surprised both her parents and teachers with the discipline she developed last month during a five-day camp run by the Immigration Department. I fold my quilt and put my stuff in order. I carefully prepare homework assignments which I wouldn't care to research before. My mother says I am like a different person, says the 15-year-old.
Miu-kam was one of 20 pupils at Po Leung Kuk Lee Shing Pik College who say they have been transformed by the Smart Teen Challenge Project. Launched last month, the free camp features a series of activities, including military-style marching and team-building exercises at the recently established Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development in Castle Peak Bay, Tuen Mun.
I thought it would be a piece of cake when I signed up for the camp, but it turned out to be quite difficult, says Miu-kam. Although she was punished with push-ups at times for failing to meet standards, Miu-kam was elected the best student when the camp ended.
College principal Chan Hsu Show Chee said the students appeared more independent and confident after the camp.
Senior Immigration Officer (Training) Choi Chi-yue, overseeing the project, said he hoped the camp would help students to learn that they can always conquer hardship with the support of others.
Source from South China Morning Post |