On July 21, Cathay Pacific Airways flew 38 young people from the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions to South Africa for a unique cultural and educational programme that will prove to be a formative experience in their lives. Eight of the students taking part are from Hong Kong schools.

The Cathay Pacific International Wilderness Experience has been educating young people about environmental and cultural issues for 13 years, but the 2008 programme will be the first to feature a marine theme. Dubbed "The Amanzi World of South Africa", after the Zulu word for water, the latest Wilderness Experience will take place by the Indian Ocean and within the boundaries of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park - declared a Natural World Heritage site by UNESCO in December 1999.

The students, aged 16 to 18, will explore environmental and conservation issues and spend time with the Tsonga people to learn about various aspects of their traditional way of life, including fishing and boat-building. Another highlight will be an elephant game drive, with the chance to view African wildlife in its natural habitat. The seven-day camp runs from July 22-28.

In Hong Kong, the International Wilderness Experience is co-organised by Cathay Pacific and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. The programme is one of the core youth community activities initiated and supported by the airline and since its inception in 1994 more than 580 students have flown to South Africa for an enriching and rewarding educational experience.

Before their departure, the Hong Kong students chosen for the 2008 programme said they were looking forward to this unique learning experience. "I look forward to taking a break from the ultramodern skyscrapers and dazzling neon lights of Hong Kong and forgetting about my computer and mobile phone," said Naomi Chow from CCC Kei To Secondary School. "To visit a natural environment without pollution will be an experience to cherish."

Another participant, Steven Lee from SKH Bishop Mok Sau Tseng Secondary School, said: "I really look forward to this unique opportunity to explore the beauty of nature. On my return I hope I can use my personal experience to spread the message about the importance of environmental conservation in Hong Kong."