"I expect to devote what I can to children there, and my wife, who is also a teacher, supports my decision," said the computer teacher from Tianshan No. 2 Middle School.

Chen was first in line Sunday to apply for the program, which will see the Shanghai Youth League Committee send five teachers, three doctors, one agriculturist and one business manager to Laos for six months as volunteers.

More than 70 people, mostly teachers, applied to take part in the program Sunday.

"We expect more doctors, agriculturists and managers will apply," said Ma Chunlei of the committee.

"Young people can broaden their horizons, while cultivating good characteristics such as being independent and overcome difficulties through such voluntary work," said Ma.

Shen Xiaohong, a local doctor who spent six months in Laos last year as a volunteer, said, "We came across some problems we hadn't considered. For instance, patients do not understand English and our living conditions were too simple - we only had beds, no other furniture."

"But I learned a lot there. Now, I can even talk Lao," added Shen.

An applicant with a good-paying job at a local IT company said: "I might quit my job if I am selected, because I think volunteering will help me realize more of my personal goals."

The committee is looking for corporate support to help subsidize the cost of transporting the volunteers to the impoverished country in March.

(Eastday.com January 20, 2003)