PYAP starts reaching out to CICL
DSWD OIC-Regional Director Teresita S. Rosales
(center) together with Rosario A. Silla, RRCY
Center Head, LGU of Sibunag, Guimaras and Oton,
Iloilo and PYAP delegates join in the releasing of
doves and balloons of friendship during the
Summer Life Skills Encampment.
Beaming with pride, it seemed forever for residents of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY). Yes, it was finally time to show some skills and talents that have lain dormant for some time after the various crisis in their lives that brought them to the center.
The RRCY, sprawled in a five-hectare land in Guimaras Province, is haven of young children who have committed offenses against the law. The center is usually serene but recently it was filled with noise of laughter and excitement during the conduct of the Summer Life Skills Encampment. Apart from this though, what was noticeable was the proud stance of residents as one after the other participated in the activities.
One recited the Pledge of Sportsmanship... two others ran with torches in their arms... and yet another joined the releasing of balloons and doves of friendship. The rest participated in the games and workshops. Each one appeared to have savored the experience. Indeed, it is not everyday when this happens.
"This is one way of giving children equal opportunity. While residents of RRCY are CICL, they should also have the same opportunities just like any other children," said DSWD OIC-Regional Director Teresita S. Rosales who graced the opening program.
Among PYAP delegations that joined the activity were PYAP-Iloilo Chapter with 19 participants; PYAP-Oton Chapter with 15 participants; and PYAP-Sibunag Chapter with 17 participants. With the technical assistance of Eduardo Guevarra, DSWD focal person for youth, the participants underwent various activities such as sports competition, Workshop on First Aide and Public Safety, Adolescent Responsible Sexuality and workshop on basic Hotel and Restaurant Services.
The activity was aimed at rehabilitating the residents of RRCY to be productive and contributing members of the society, particularly when they will be released from the center. Their handicrafts such as cards, key chains, T-shirts and bags were also displayed in an exhibit.
It can be recalled that Rosales had earlier challenged the Regional PYAP Federation, headed by Narciso Abad and guided by Guevarra as focal person, to come up with activities to form part of diversion programs for CICL.
"This is now a beginning of our response to that challenge. We are planning to be part of the diversion programs that will be implemented in Local Government Units as preventive and rehabilitative approach for Children in Conflict with the law," Guevarra said.
Indeed, it should not stop there. The sparkle in the eyes of the residents and the zeal that they have shown simply show that they thirst for more activities...to tap their talents and skills... give them a chance to prove themselves... and believe that they, too, can accomplish something.
(dswd6/mcastillo)