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Empowerment League Gives Youth Positive Experience

Aug. 27, 2005 – The V.I. Youth Empowerment League ended its five-week summer camp at the D.Hamilton Jackson (RedBrick) Public Housing Community on Aug. 20. A Back to School Party, which included jump rope competition; tug a war, face painting, musical chairs, fashion and talent show, music, and food for all the children of that community.
Over the past five weeks the 20 participants, ages seven to 15, were exposed to various types of activities, which will help them lead productive lives and become positive contributing members of society. Activities included computer literacy, arts and crafts, recreation, field trips, hiking, kite building, counseling, mentoring, career development, home economics and community service. Each week was dedicated to one or more of these activities.
Week 1 the youths were exposed to computers. They received instruction in the use of computers and were exposed to various educational software titles, which help stimulate their reading writing and problem solving abilities.
Week 2 was devoted to Recreation, the youths were exposed to basketball, baseball, swimming, kickball and ping pong. Board games provided positive interaction among the children.
Week 3 was dedicated to community service. The week began with a group discussion on the value of community service. The group discussion was conducted by Gonzalo Rivera the camp coordinator and included a question and answer period. Several areas within D. Hamilton Jackson were identified for improvement and were cleaned and beautified. The Anti Litter and Beatification Commission provided plants, which were used to beautify an entrance to the community.
Week 4 was devoted to exploring careers and exposing the children to the world of work. During this week the youth were taken on a field trip within the WAPA Richmond plant..
Week 5, the final week, was devoted to the culinary arts. Under the supervision of parent volunteers, the youths prepared lunch for the camp participants and staff. Dishes included fish and johny cakes and barbecue chicken and macaroni.
The Youth Empowerment League is a not for profit corporation which was incorporated in February of 2003 and our goals include the following:
–To Establish and operate after school educational and recreational programs for the benefit of our youth.
–To develop leadership, promote friendship, and provide service to humanity in the United States Virgin Islands.
–To undertake community development and improvement projects that will help to enhance and beautify the Virgin Islands communities while at the same time establishing patriotic pride in our youths .
–To provide other outlets for the creative skills and energies of the V.I. youth.
Program staff and volunteers were as follows:
–Canute Brodhurst (camp vounselor)
–Nikki Donovan (assistant)
–Shamika Donavan (assistant)
–Denise Thomas (food service)
–Kavida Degrasse (food service)
For further information please contact Gonzalo Rivera at 773-0889.

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