WHO ARE THOSE YOUNG VOLUNTEERS ?

They are happy, open and free people, participating with great desire in the programmes of Spiritual Guidance Centre for Youth (DPJC). They find themselves in one of DPJC's programmes:

Operation Snowball volunteers, during weekend camps at schools, present topics on the dangers of alcohol and all other substance abuse to their health and their social and emotional development.  The volunteers discuss with other teenagers, teach them how to develop their selfesteem and how to say "no", show that one can have fun without substances.

In "The Snail" programme, after screening, volunteers go through 4 months of training, become youth leaders and begin working with children from disadvantaged family backgrounds at summer camps.  The volunteers in training, develop their relationship skills, learn about the child's psychology and take part in seminars. At the camps, youth leaders assist children. The average ratio is one leader for 4-5 children. Together they play sports, games, and learn social skills. In 2001 the volunteers continue in the expanded programme - daily activity centre for children having difficulties in school or at home.

The "Teen Club" is frequented by juvenile delinquents referred to by the local police. The leaders work with the younger teenagers in weekends through out the year. During the summer and winter holidays they have camps. The older teenagers, come for individual work on Tuesdays to develop their social, job and life skills.

The Youth-line volunteer counsellors provide psychological, anonymous aid on-line, to those going through a crisis.

The Natural Helpers team runs weekend seminars for youth to develop their relationship skills and helping skills for their peers in their natural environment - school, university, work.

Home-bound elderly and handicapped persons are visited and helped by youth volunteers from the Works of Mercy programme.

Other programmes include: Big Brothers/Sisters, The International Award, It Takes a Village to Raise a Child.

Volunteers - innovative thinkers, who have new life skills and find happiness in knowing that one is needed. DPJC volunteers are very happy to share their new experiences.