NMI gets $483K to expand Koblerville youth center

The Office of the Governor was recently awarded $435,370 for the expansion and enhancement of the Koblerville Youth Learning Center through a block grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

When Typhoon Soudelor ravaged the island in August 2015, Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres, who was then the lieutenant governor, saw the need to find solutions for issues pertaining to the displacement of various individuals and families during emergencies and natural disasters. He made it a priority to improve the existing structure at the Koblerville Youth Learning Center to not only be a shelter in times of disaster, but also as a haven for the youth to grow and develop.

“The expansion and enhancement of the center will serve a dual purpose. Not only will this project allow the center to be used as a refuge during typhoons, but it will also allow the Office of Youth Affairs to offer more programs for the community’s youth so that they can thrive in a safe place,” Torres said.

“By revitalizing the center, we will be able to help improve the health and welfare of our youth through the advocacy of a healthy lifestyle and by creating a community-oriented safe space that our kids can go to after school and for other members of our community to avail of its

resources,” he added.

Special assistant for Youth Affairs Shelane Borja extended her appreciation to the administration and to the Office of Grants Management and State Clearinghouse for their assistance and support throughout the application process.

“We want to include adult basic education, parent leadership workshops, and even job readiness seminars. This is definitely vital for the community as it will assist in curbing delinquent behavior by providing programs that will prepare them for the future,” Borja said.

The Office of Grants Management & State Clearinghouse administrator Epiphanio E. Cabrera Jr. noted that the $435,370.00 in grant assistance provided by the Northern Marianas Housing Corp. will greatly benefit the community.

“By funding this project, the Office of Youth Affairs will be able to provide more programs and trainings to aid in enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Koblerville and surrounding villages. With the expansion, the youth center can offer more than just tutoring services and art and culture programs.”

The project proposes to expand the youth center with the inclusion of new restrooms, a stage, improved parking, and better ADA accessibility, among other things.

Torres commended the NMHC, the Office of Grants Management & State Clearinghouse, and the Office of Youth Affairs for their coordinated work on the grant. He noted that the grant award is a step forward for the community.

“It is my hope that we eventually raise the quality for all our youth centers on all three islands. Our children and our community deserve this. Parents deserve the peace of mind of having their kids thrive in a safe space, and our children deserve a space where they can explore, learn, and develop.” (PR)