Cadet Corps graduates 40 young men
For many Belizean young men the “cadets” may be the last chance to straighten out before adulthood. This morning News 5’s Ann-Marie Williams visited the Youth Development Centre at Rockville to witness a proud moment in a number of important lives.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
Last June forty youths from all over the country entered the National Young Cadets Service Corps. Ten months of skills training and several weeks of boot camp later, the young challengers are today officially cadets. It’s graduation day. Guest speaker was Minister of Youth Mark Espat. He congratulated the new cadets on a brave step forward.
Mark Espat, Minister of Youth
“It is our hope that you will retain much of what has been though to you during this programme, during your months here. That you will maintain and develop the friendships that you have made, and that this programme will form part of your core learning for a successful life.”
Parents too were praised for giving their boys, many of whom didn’t finish primary school, a second chance to make good.
Mark Espat
“Graduating from the Youth Cadet Corps does not guarantee that your son will become a responsible citizen, or indeed a successful businessman. But the fact is that you are trying to offer your son an alternative, and one that instils discipline and teamwork. You deserve public praise for that decision. Now parents, we all know that your effort does not end with today’s graduation. This programme is but a stepping stone in the long walk of life for your child. We encourage you to persevere in being that shining example of stability and of good citizenship for your child.”
Several cadets were presented with prizes, certificates and trophies for outstanding performance in their field. Isidro Lara of Punta Gorda is athlete of the year.
Isidro Lara, Athlete of the Year
“I was on the street taking drugs. When I came here, I stopped those things, so it helped me a lot. I think it’ll help a lot of youths out there if they come to this place.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“What is it that you’ve changed about your life since being here?”
Isidro Lara
“I have change my anger. First I was angry, I never used to like people. When I came here, I started taking care of my friends, help my friends.”
Fifteen year old Giovannie Williams said he learnt to do the right things. He was named most improved cadet.
Giovannie Williams, Most Improved Cadet
“Fight, thief, they told me try to not go to jail and I trying that. They told me to fulfil your dreams, and I want to try that.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“What’s your dream?”
Giovannie Williams
“To go in the B.D.F.”
Cruz Castillo, who dropped out of primary school, wanted to do the same at the Cadet Corps. However, he persevered and was recognised for his effort.
Cruz Castillo, Most Persevering
“Last week I was ready to pack my bags and leave because this place was difficult for me. Sometimes it was hard, sometimes it was soft.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“What were the hard times?”
Cruz Castillo
“Hard times were like PT in the morning five o’clock. You had to get up and run three miles and three miles back. That’s six miles everyday. That just makes you get confused. A lot of the times I wanted to leave. First I ran away and I reached home and I came back, because I said there isn’t nothing for me home.”
And there were good times as well.
Cruz Castillo
“A lot of sports, activities. I don’t play the sports, I just play fishing sports. I don’t know what kind of sport that is, but that is my thing. I just deal with animals.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“Did you make friends?”
Cruz Castillo
“I made a lot of friends.”
Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
The youths receive literacy classes and vocational training in addition to the boot camp experience.
