“After my first year they told me I was not able academically to finish school, so they threw me out. CALLS was the only hope and chance I had to give something to my community, put myself in right order so that I can benefit myself and my country.”

That was the testimony of Ozayee Robin, a transformed, shy young man who will soon be added to the 522 young persons who have graduated from Portsmouth-based Centre where Adolescents Learn to Love and Serve (CALLS) in its 10-year history.

He was one of the representatives from the institution who met with the press at the Government's Press Room on Thursday, April 14, to announce its 10-year anniversary celebrations held during the following week.

According to its officials, CALLS, initially a 15-month programme for 17 year olds, now has established itself as a successful 2-year programme which caters for adolescents 16 years and older who desire a second chance at life.

Stories like Ozayee's do not seem unfamiliar at the centre, with the press getting the chance to hear from another teenager, Nikala Henderson, a teenaged mother who says she has now refocused her life with CALLS' help.

CALLS Director Olivia Douglas, who Nikala described as her second mother with whom she can talk about anything, spoke glowingly of the programme, particularly the numerous graduates that have gone on to further their education at universities around the world.

Mervin Paul, who worked with CALLS in instituting a drug prevention programme, reaffirmed this when he highlighted the individuals he encountered who changed their drug use habits and said, “There is a living lasting evidence in Dominican society of the impact of CALLS.”

So what has been their secret to success? Douglas described the centre's programme, which she says devotes its first three months to reaffirm to their student's their importance in society. Following this they are introduced to a number of skills, with computer literacy being stressed on as part of this learning experience.

Skills being offered include childcare, carpentry, agriculture, arc welding, electricity and electronics. The youth are taught by volunteers and normally pick up these skills quickly, according to Douglas .

The Centre has relied mainly on benefactors from the private sector over the years for support with the Elias Nassief foundation, AID Bank, Portsmouth Cooperative Credit Union, and Canadian High Commission singled out among the many contributors.

Douglas applauded the contributions of respective governments who have assisted CALLS but believes scope for expansion would depend on private sector assistance since CALLS now operates on a $10,000 monthly budget.

The need for CALLS continued operation is undoubted to its representatives. Brenda Haltstead, says, “If we basically have a desperate nation.” CALLS graduate and now tutor Matilda Carty added, “CALLS gives us a chance to be something.”

Among the activities to celebrate the week was a church service celebrated by Bishop of Roseau Gabriel Malzaire on Tuesday, April 19 and a hike that took place on April 23.

(Edited from The Chronicle )