This was the observation of DCCA social worker Bary Cutbert Toves.
“[Some of the Rota youths] think that when DYS come to their house they will be taken away from their family,” Toves said.
This is why this year’s summer youth empowerment cooperation program will focus on DYS’ roles and responsibilities in the community, he added.
The program is sponsored by DYS and is supported by Rota Mayor Joseph S. Inos, the 12th Rota Municipal Council, the Department of Public Safety juvenile division, and the Rota Health Center.
It will start on July 26 at Teto Beach on Rota.
Toves said because of financial constraints, the municipal government of Rota can’t provide summer jobs to the youth and they cannot also participate in the Workforce Investment Agency.
Instead, DYS on Rota will help educate the youths about why they should report any kind of abuses, and how they can safeguard themselves, he said.
DYS will also invite parents to join the program as volunteers, Toves said.
The sponsors of the program will also teach the youth about arts, crafts, sports and recreation.
“We will also have swimming safety classes and lectures about the rules of different games,” he added.
Last year, the program focused on cooking, weaving and identification of artifacts.
Toves said they are expecting more than 50 participants this year.
“The parents are very supportive of the program and they even asked DYS to conduct the program for the entire month of July,” he added.
