Barry Cuthbert Toves, Division of Youth Service social worker in-charge, said at least 42 students from the different schools on Rota are attending the “four stations” of specialized activities.
The camp offers sports and recreations, traditional cooking of native dishes, historical site and artifact preservation, and sand painting workshop.
The program, which kicked off on July 28 and ends on Aug. 9, will help the youth “engage in social issues, learn more about their culture, tradition and history, and realize they can make a real contribution to the island,” Toves said.
Lucy Ann Santos, Perry O. Blas, Lucy Ann Ogo and Roddy Manglona are overseeing sports and recreations activities.
The traditional cooking sessions are supervised by Julieta Calvo, a known herbal medicine specialist on Rota.
Pedro Duenas of the Historic Preservation Office supervises the lectures and display of artifacts and other historical relics.
Literatures and pamphlets on the history of Rota’s culture and traditions are distributed at the Cultural Center Chamorro Village, where the empowerment camp program is being held, Toves said.
Albert S. Toves Jr., the renowned sand painter of the CNMI and the Pacific region, is teaching students the basic technique of sand painting, and the value of arts and talents.
Barry Toves said students will also learned about the traditional weaving of basket and hats.
Six exchange students from Kani, Japan are also participating in some of the camp activities, he added.
Rota Mayor Joseph S. Inos helped facilitate the participation of the Japanese students and their three chaperones.
The Division of Youth Services, which is under the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, is the government agency that coordinates and implements social services for children and families.
Most non-government organizations in the CNMI support youth development by being involved in events sponsored and co-sponsored by DYS through volunteer work, donations and serving on planning committees.
The CNMI Youth Empowerment Plan encourages the youth to be socially, morally, emotionally, physically and cognitively competent adults by engaging in volunteer work that teaches them social, interpersonal and organizational skills.
