Investing in Tanapag’s youth

As recreational sports facilities in Precinct 4 get much-needed facelifts, another—this time for the benefit of the community’s youth—is getting attention: the Tanapag Youth Center.

Revitalizing the center so it could offer programs and after-school activities for the youth in Tanapag is one of Rep. Sheila Babauta (Ind-Saipan)’s priorities for the year.

“The Tanapag Youth Center is a physical space where we are investing in our youth,” Babauta said. “[With the center, the youth] are able to build and strengthen relationships, get help with homework, learn life skills, and just have another fun, safe space to hang out.”

The center was adopted by the legislator’s office through a partnership with the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs’ Division of Youth Services.

“Partnerships are important,” Babauta said. “We’ve partnered with Kagman High School Seniors, Team Angels (Tanapag), and Team RIS (San Roque) to help with service projects in the community and volunteer hours at the youth center,” she said.

An average of 25 to 30 students go to the center every day to gain access to services from partners such as books donated by the Joeten-Kiyu Pubic Library, sports equipment donated by the CNMI Youth Affairs, and even free flu, MMR, and anti-pneumonia shots from the Commonwealth Health Care Corp.’s Immunization Program.

Babauta also devised a way for members of the community to give back through the youth center. Every sports team her office sponsors are asked to donate some time back to the center, where they could volunteer and teach children about what they are doing.

Creating partnerships in the community like that is important so that the children could see that the community cares, she said.

“I’d love to build youth centers all over our island, but we must be realistic with available resources and utilize existing structures until such goals can be achieved,” Babauta added.

For the meantime, Babauta is calling on everyone to get involved and volunteer. “We are always looking for volunteers to help at the Tanapag Youth Center and our kids appreciate the time you spend with them. If you’re an organization or business, donate. We are always accepting donations, from computers to your time. We are grateful for whatever you can give.”

To volunteer, donate, or for more information about the Tanapag Youth Center, contact 664-2599 or 285-7921.