Youths keep busy by painting school
It’s the height of summer vacation and as the next two stories demonstrate, some students are keeping busy.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
There was paint on just about everything in the room after close to thirty children accepted the challenge to refurbish two classrooms at Excelsior High School. The boys and girls no doubt will have some extra cleaning to do, but their effort is for a good cause. The activity is part of a summer programme by Youth for the Future to help youths serve the community and help build their self-confidence.
Makesha Suazo, Youth Officer, Belize City
“We normally ask the person in charge of the camp site to identify a community service that our young people could do. So the principal idea was to paint two of the classrooms, so we went along with that.”
The children agreed that if there was nothing for them to do during their break from school, many would probably be in trouble.
Cara Menzies, 11 years old
“Quarrelling, fighting, looking for boys that are coming to the school and help working.”
So it was refreshing to hear them talk about how good they felt doing something positive that will lead them to respect people and property.
Derrick Saldano, 14 years old
“Just to help people and stay outta trouble.”
Jacqueline Woods
“So tell me what have you been doing?”
Derrick Saldano
“We paint, clean up the classroom and fix up the place.”
Jacqueline Woods
“You know how to paint?”
Derrick Saldano
“Yes ma’am, I learn at home.”
Jacqueline Woods
“What did you do at home?”
Derrick Saldano
“Paint the house.”
Cara Menzies
“Happy, proud, and I made my family proud that I am doing something.”
Makesha Suazo
“Well as you can see, it sorts of boosts your self-esteem and put them in a working mood and stuff and they also know that they are doing something good for the community and school. Some of our young people are students of this school.”
The school’s classrooms should be ready by Friday. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.
Y.F.F. is holding similar camps countrywide.
