Tanapag youth center revived

For almost a year, the Tanapag Youth Center remained idle—seemingly doomed to the fate that befalls other government projects.

However, through the collaborative efforts of different government agencies, the center has reopened its doors in hopes of providing the youth positive programs that would help improve academic achievements and reduce juvenile delinquencies.

“These are the effects that ripple from a program like this in the community,” said Gov. Juan N. Babauta during his remarks at yesterday’s opening ceremony. “The people and residents of Tanapag should be proud.”

The center, located just south of Tanapag Elementary School, offers after-school tutoring, reading, arts and crafts, sports and recreation, among others.

The center is now headed by the Division of Youth Services under the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, with volunteer program coordinator Vivian Sablan overseeing operations.

“We’re looking forward to working with the Tanapag Elementary School family,” she said. “The center is here to serve as many [children] as we can accommodate.”

Sablan said interested parents may register their children for the various activities at the center. Registration is free.

Agencies that worked to reopen the center include the Saipan Mayor’s Office, DYS, DCCA, Office of the Governor, Division of Sports and Recreation, Aging Office, Public School System/AmeriCorp volunteers, Rep. Justo Quitugua, Rep. Clyde Norita, TES, and the Workforce Investment Agency.

“It’s nice to have the center here at the backyard of the school because I know the kids are going to have so much activities for them [as] extension of learning,” said PSS Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos. “I like the fact that the kids have a place to go to that will offer them all kinds of productive activities that will enrich them so they can have a productive day every single day.”

DCCA Secretary Juan L. Babauta agreed, saying the center and its programs will be a positive boost to the lives of youths in the community.

“This youth center will make a difference,” he said. “Basically we try to zero in at providing a place where kids can do their homework with our supervision. We’ll have counseling programs for kids to talk about problems they’re dealing with day-to-day and how they can solve them. Kids tend to stay away [from] trouble if they’re busy in their livelihood and they have positive programs for themselves.”

The center originally opened two and a half years ago but closed down due to “turnovers with staff, typhoons, and other circumstances.”

Prior to reopening, the center went through repairs to its walls, computers, air conditioners, and surrounding areas.

“What we see here today is a new beginning,” said Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela. “To me, this is an example of true grassroots, home-grown democracy in action.”