The Police Department wants to keep children off the streets during the summer vacation and they plan to do it, not by aggressive punitive patrols but by offering them an alternative to the streets. They are hosting a summer day camp for children on the south side of Belize City. We found out more when we visited.
Keith Swift Reporting,
Sergeant Dehanne Williams and Constable Jorge Lemus are police officers but for the next five weeks - they will be teaching at the Yabra Community Development Center. So far 70 primary school aged children have showed up to participate in the police's summer camp - where they are learning life skills as well as computer skills. Officer in Charge of community policing - Inspector Diana Hall says the program gives these children an alternative to being on the streets.
Insp. Diana Hall, Commander - Community Policing
"During the summer there are a lot of kids out on the street and there is nothing for them to do and you know they say an idle man is the devil's workshop. So we just wanted to do something for the kids to keep them out of trouble and avoid them being victims of crime and being used by others to commit crimes."
Keith Swift,
Where would these children be if they weren't here?
Insp. Diana Hall,
"I think they would be on the street running about or some of them would be home watching the television, having nothing to do; boring."
But Inspector Hall says summer doesn't have to be boring.
Insp. Diana Hall,
"We had the Fire Department came in and did a fire safety. This morning we had Youth for the Future come in and we spoke about anger management. We have other educational lectures and we have other agencies that will be joining us. We have two weeks of computer classes, two weeks of Bible studies, and we will incorporate the arts and craft in it."
The program started yesterday and will run for five weeks. And to sustain it for those five weeks - Inspector Hall is appealing to the business community for help.
Insp. Diana Hall,
"We would like to provide the children with snacks but we do not have the money. So far we've received two fans from Vin Fa. As you can see it is very hot down here so we are in need of fans. We need supplies for arts and craft and any contribution that we receive will be greatly appreciated. As you can see it is for the benefit of our youths."
The program is open to children between the ages of 5 and 14.
The program for primary school students runs until August 3rd. Thereafter a similar summer program will be held at the Yabra Community Development Center for high school students. Any student interested in participating in either program can sign up at the center located on Caesar Ridge Road.
