The initial five volunteers will include one Chinese language teacher, an English language teacher, an expert in computer training and two medical staff, said an official from the Chinese Communist Youth League's Central Committee and the China Youth Volunteers' Association.

The volunteers should be healthy Chinese citizens between 20 and 40, fluent in English and holding at least a bachelor's degree, and those who with previous volunteer experience are preferred, according to the requirements.

After some training the new recruits will set off by the end of April. They will be provided with traveling expenses, room and board, necessary allowances and insurance.

China launched a campaign in 1993 to mobilize young people across the country to help those who need aid. It is the first time the country will send youth volunteers abroad and more will follow in the near future, said officials.

The campaign inspired more youngsters to take an an active part in a variety of social services including caring for the senior citizens, the disabled and orphans, and holding training courses for laid-off and migrant workers.

(Xinhua News Agency March 29, 2002)