Students from across the island now have a better understanding of volunteerism and water conservation following the annual Summer Day Program organized by the Youth Development Division.
The camp was held under the theme “Running with Water.”
Coordinator of the program, Kerry Ann Remie, said its main objective was to broaden the student’s concept of water conservation and promote volunteerism.
“The purpose of this year’s summer volunteerism program was to create a greater awareness among young people on water and to broaden their concept of conservation and water management,” she said. “The overall objective of the project was to promote and illustrate the importance of full participation of children and youth in the process of community and national development through volunteerism.”
She added that it is hoped the 2013 program will give the youth a better understanding of the importance of water, make them more educated on climate change and disaster risk management and promote continued participation of youth in civic activities.
Remie also said that the program provided a positive alternative to idleness during the summer vacation.
On Friday morning a number of the volunteers who participated in the camp gathered at the Pierre Charles Secondary School to celebrate Volunteers Appreciation Day with the Youth Development Division.
Chief Youth Development Officer John Roach told them that volunteerism is critical to countries like Dominica.
“Volunteerism is critical to small island developing states such as Dominica because resources are limited,” he stated. “Dominica cannot afford the high costs associated with labour and expertise. Volunteerism engenders friendship and builds strong bonds among individuals, organisations, and communities and also helps dispel violence. More is accomplished when there are available resources and there is a sense of ownership and responsibility to protect what is completed.”
He pointed out further that volunteerism is accepted internationally as a “win-win” situation.
The Summer Day Camp was held in 12 communities across Dominica.
Over 200 young people served as volunteers for the program and were engaged in various activities which included hikes, quizzes and discussions.
A total of 220 high school and college students and 255 children between the ages of 5-12 were involved in these activities.
Congratulations to youth Division for sustaining this program for over 30 years.I was a volunteer from !983-84.My children participated in the camp and served as volunteers also.Most of us who were involved are making significant contributions to Dominica particulaly in Education as teachers.
one of the things i enjoyed the most during my senior high school days was coordinating summer school …
Good job Youth Division; keep up the good work. The very suiting theme for this years camp.