The Aim of this project is to provide safe opportunities for 12-17 year olds to earn a little pocket while engaging in work experience during the long summer vacation. Parents are often still out at work all day and unable to take a holiday to be with their children. All were referred for their particular needs by the Social Services Department (SSD).
Eleven young people took part in the 2015 youth project. Six different businesses were involved.
All young people worked for between 3-5 days per week for four weeks of the holiday. They earned $20 per day and this was mostly paid into their bank accounts during the period in question. They were visited by a MCS member who monitored their progress and gained feedback from the businesses.
One young person assisted in the setting up of the Red Cross inter-island youth camp that was in Montserrat this year, and was then allowed to enrol. This experience gave her a valuable opportunity to learn new skills and meet young people from other islands. The Red Cross project itself provided three young persons with opportunities. One young person reflected on the varied work involved: “On some days I was working in the office printing documents, doing up files and sorting filing cabinets which was the administrative part of my learning. On other days we went out into the community to do assessments and interact with residents. I had a very fun experience and I wish to become a youth volunteer here at the MRC. “
Another young person at the Museum assisted in setting up the exhibition on the Volcano and was mentioned by name on ZNB radio for her good work!
The children’s summer scheme successfully managed up to 35 children aged 3-7 at the Lookout Nursery for five weeks. The youth scheme provided, on average, 5 young persons at various times to support the teachers. They felt that one young person was truly outstanding in her reliability support and stimulation of the children. This was also evident to the MCS members who visited the scheme. An award was made to this young person on the final day of the scheme on behalf of the MCS committee.
In conclusion, the staff at the SSD feel that this project is of immense value in keeping some young people safe and happily occupied in worthwhile projects during the long summer break.
