DYS eyes new classroom for KCC

The Division of Youth Services, which handles the renovation of the Kagman Community Center, wants to add an additional classroom to the center.

According to DYS administrator Vivian Sablan, her division is looking to use the $300,000 it got from the Community Development Block Grant funding under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to renovate the community center and implement several expansions.

The $300,000 grant was secured through the Northern Marianas Housing Corp., Sablan said.

“We wanted to expand our outlets. DYS is managing the Tanapag Youth Center and the KCC,” she said, noting the need to secure the building’s structural integrity as well as the need to expand the KCC.

Sablan believes that with an additional classroom, the community center will be able to better provide for the youth in the area.

“With that addition, we will be able to expand our programs and services. Right now, we are limited because we are only utilizing one main classroom and several smaller rooms. Upon the completion of this renovation, we would be able to…hold events here throughout the year,” she said.

According to Sablan, the community center at KCC housed 50 students during their after-school programs last school year.

“After the renovations, we are hoping to double, or even triple [attendees] of the programs so that more opportunities are available, not only for Kagman residents, but even that of Papago, Capital Hill, and other areas,” she said, adding that the community center is open to the public, regardless of their area of residence.

Sablan emphasized, however, that only non-profit events would be held at the new KCC.

An additional shower room, restroom, water tanks, etc. is included in the renovations.

“We are also working with the Capital Improvement Project office…for typhoon shutters for the center, a generator, a generator house, and two water pumps,” she added.

“…For so many years the KCC has been sitting idle, so we are moving along with the programs and making it known to the community that it is available,” she said.

Since DYS came under the management of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, the division has been overseeing the KCC and offering programs in the center, Sablan said.

Though no specific date was disclosed, Sablan confirmed that renovations will be done soon.