By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

THE new youth center which broke ground in Agat yesterday would promote unity and positive development in the south, Lt. Gov. Michael Cruz said yesterday during the groundbreaking ceremony.
Southern residents soon will welcome the Haya Regional Youth Resource Center located in Agat, a government initiative that will provide facilities and resources to promote greater opportunities for the island’s youth and their families.
The lieutenant governor delivered the keynote address during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new youth center yesterday.
“Our children are our hope for a brighter future and the choices we make for them today are the most important investments we will make for a greater Guam. Giving our children the guidance they need to make responsible decisions, nurturing them to become compassionate, caring adults and encouraging them with positive influences are key to ensuring that Guam is headed in the right direction,” Cruz said.
The $490,000 project is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant, a national program that helps local governments in addressing the unique needs of their growing populations.
The Haya Regional Youth Resource Center will provide after-school and weekend activities that will facilitate mentoring programs, offer case management and crisis intervention services, as well as supervised activities to promote positive development among youth and their families.
The 2,700 square ft. facility will feature a computer laboratory, a controlled activity center and administrative offices.
The youth center is just the latest of several facilities for Guam’s youth and elderly initiated by the government.
Senior citizens centers in Sinajana and Merizo have been established and Head Start classrooms at public schools constructed. Facilities for Guam Community College and the University of Guam have also been funded.
Recently, the administration also broke ground on four new public schools, a skate park in Dededo and opened doors to all of Guam’s public libraries.