More than 600 volunteers from around the island have been urged to continue give back to society and be positive role models for others to follow.
The advice was given by Manager of the National Cooperative Credit Union (NCCU) McDowill Paul during a special ceremony to recognize volunteers who had participated in the 2012 Summer Day Camp and its complimentary Work Study Camp programs.
“Give back to society, society don’t owe you anything, look for positive role modles and strive to be a positive role model for others to follow,” he urged. “Join positive groups, ask questions, plan and do research and if you have not done so, begin to save; it will serve as a cushion for you in the future.”
Summer Day Camp program focuses on training young people from various communities around the island on topics related to self and community development. It also seeks to empower young people through training.
The Work Study Program places emphasis on getting young people involved in small community projects while allowing participants to gather a wealth of knowledge on various topics geared at individual and community development.
The camps are organized by the Youth Division and Paul calls on the division to continue the program. “I call on the Youth Division to continue the program it is still relevant in today’s Dominica,” he said.
Meantime outgoing Chief Youth Development officer Jules Pascal commended the efforts of the volunteers and shared his own experience as a volunteer.
“I began as a volunteer and today because of volunteering I am in this position today. Volunteerism is good since the experiences will add to your over all development,” he stressed.
He made special mention of the murals on the walls of the Convent High school, beautification projects, clean up campaigns, garbage collection boxes undertaken by volunteers.
Pascal urged the young volunteers to further to motivate their peers to do like wise.
There were performances by volunteers from districts all over Dominica and certificates were handed out to them.
The camp this year was undertaken in collaboration with the NCCU under the theme, “Encouraging Volunteerism and Entrepreneurship Through Cooperatives.’
The ceremony was held at the Arawak House of Culture.
I wish to take the opportunity to congratulate the young volunteers, who participated in this year’s Summer Day Camp program.
For three consecutive years, I served as a camp leader in the Youth Division’s Summer School programme in the Roseau Valley. I can testify of the tremendous benefits of the program on my life as a young person.
In that regard, I wish to recognize the dedicated service to youth development in Dominica by persons like Ms. Alfred, Ms. O. Williams, Mr. C. Pinard, Mr. D. Letang, Ms. E. Mc Intyre-Roach and Mr. Pascal
Mr. Mc Dowill Paul (a resident of Morne Prosper in the ROSEAU VALLEY) must also be congratulated for his strong commitment and devotion to community development and for demonstrating the spirit of volunteerism as a three- term Chairperson of the Morne Prosper Village Council. Indeed, Mr. Paul practices what he preaches as he has been giving back to his community of Morne Prosper in several ways over the years.
As a product of the Youth Division’s Summer program, it is my hope that the Youth Division shall continue to be provided with the necessary resources to ensure the continuation of this program for many more years.
I take the opportunity to wish Mr. Pascal a fond adieu and best wishes as he proceeds on retirement.
I do not understand: Why/what is it he wants the volunteers to give back? They volunteering their time to helping at the camp,isn’t that giving back? How else do you want the volunteers to give back? Please enlighten me Mr Paul.
You know i had the same thought about the topic of the story. But then I read the story and thought differently. While I encourage you to do the same you can go ahead and Blame DNO for the caption!
Good job guys! Thanks for your self sacrificing spirit
Great program to motivate the young people. It keeps them busy positive and out of trouble.