A GANAR gives Daina Benjamin a second chance

Diana Benjamin
Diana Benjamin at the A GANAR graduation on Monday

Former prison inmate, Daina Benjamin, is convinced that the A GANAR Program has changed her for the better and made her look at life from a different perspective.

“The program has made me look at life in a different way,” she told the program’s second graduation ceremony on Monday, stressing it was one of the best activities she had gotten involved in after a very long time.

The program was implemented at four agencies in Dominica namely Centre where Adolescents Learn to Love and Serve (CALLS), Dominica Prison Services, Youth Development Division and the Social Centre.

It seeks to combat the issue of youth unemployment and provides an avenue for youth to become positively engaged through the application of a integrated four-phase sports based curriculum.

For Benjamin the impact of the program on her life was far reaching. “The program taught me a lot about communication, because communication is the key to socialization, respect for other people’s views and opinions and most of all for myself as a young lady,” she said.

She encouraged the other graduates to get involved in things that will assist in improving their lives and the things and people around them.

“We must work as a team, focus on success and victory. The program has helped me look at life in a different way.  Let me encourage those who are still at the prison to be strong and hope that when you are back in society you will think before you act,” she stated.

Presently Benjamin is back home with her mother and son and said that she is currently preparing to go back to school.

A GANAR’s Country Coordinator, Francis Joseph indicated that participants get involved in the program as a means of straightening their lives.

He noted that currently 150 at risk youth are taking part in the program. These include over 30 young people who are under the jurisdiction of the Dominica State Prison.

In 2012, 67 young people graduated from the program and over 40 have found employment. Twenty three are presently furthering their education.

Led by Partners of the Americas and funded by the USAID A GANAR, which translates from Spanish to English which means to win or to earn, uses sports as a tool for youth workforce development.

116 young people graduated from the program on Monday.

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23 Comments

  1. "O" STRESS"
    October 1, 2013

    Never give up. In live we will be challenged but we have to stand our ground. Congratulations!!!! to you young lady you`re already a winner!!!! cause you made up your mind to change and learn from your mistake, always remember it`s not how you start but it`s how you finish, good luck going forward.

  2. spicegirl
    October 1, 2013

    Congratulations to you

  3. proud aunt
    October 1, 2013

    OMG u made the family so proud… its good to c u take this challenge n made something thing good out of it…. we love u n we are proud

  4. October 1, 2013

    now tats something I need to get my self involed in :)

  5. The Onlooker
    October 1, 2013

    Congratulations! Stay focus!

    Let Jesus be your guide; He is ready and waiting to help you but He will only do so when you ask Him; Call on Him today. Romans10:13 “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

  6. Dcan
    October 1, 2013

    Great job! hope the other inmates follow ur footsteps.. then we will have a better country to live

  7. dominica truth
    October 1, 2013

    hmmmm its a shame not many people have nothing good to say only 4 people have commented on such good change ,if it was something bad so many would be giving their opinions ..

    • concern
      October 1, 2013

      I am very proud of this young lady, its not where you were it’s where you are going and I am very happy you chose to put your mistake behind you and think positive you can be are good role model to others,and what ever good you do can help the the youths God knows how much our children needs to here if I can change my life you can do it too may the good Lord bless and keep you.

    • Anonymous
      October 1, 2013

      And YOU did not say something good!

  8. bad mind
    October 1, 2013

    i am so proud of you keep it up

  9. mahaut in de uk
    October 1, 2013

    inspired

  10. mahaut in de uk
    October 1, 2013

    PMA- Positive Mental Attitude is what’s required by the graduates. May I ask Doctor Valda to find some much needed time in her busy schedule to teach those graduated lesson of life in the workplace. I have been reading her columns and is insrpired as a Dominican living abroad.

    I’m not sure if she is already involve, as i say, i dont reside back home.

  11. Tee
    October 1, 2013

    This is great news! Chin up graduates. Times may be hard but always seek out the positive; employment, education, volunteerism, etc… Better days are surely ahead. Wishing you all the best!

  12. Giselle
    October 1, 2013

    Redemption is a must…congratulations, young lady!

  13. Anonymous
    October 1, 2013

    congras all the best in the future its going to be hard but never give up

  14. I'mWondering
    October 1, 2013

    “67 young people graduated from the program and over 40 have found employment”

    And so I ask – if they can get jobs, why not others?

  15. met veye
    October 1, 2013

    Congrats and stay positive young lady.

  16. see wa it come 2
    October 1, 2013

    thats it my girl

  17. Miss LeBlanc
    October 1, 2013

    I am so proud of you Daina. I remembered my brief moment with you at DGS. you had a lot of struggles and when i heard you went to prison it was painfull. I am so happy that you got a second chance and you can use the experiences you gained to help other young people of like you

  18. aa
    October 1, 2013

    Well done!

  19. Dominican in Saba
    October 1, 2013

    what did the lady do DNO?

  20. Mr.Right
    October 1, 2013

    Biggest story of the year to me.. keep up the good work A GANAR

  21. October 1, 2013

    Congratulation young lady, keep doing your best in life and keep on trusting in the good lord.

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