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Yesterday we told you what Restore Belize is doing for boys aged 10 to 14 to keep them out of school and away from the gangs.  

Well, the Community Rehabilitation Department under the Ministry of Human Development has been doing its part by making interventions for young people that have gotten into trouble with the law. Many of their clients face many challenges like being kicked out of school for committing crimes, so the Department assists them by enrolling them in programs to continue their education.

The Department observed the incredible progress their clients had made under difficult circumstances and decided to reward them in the "Youth Resiliency Awards" ceremony today at the Bliss Center. We were there this morning and found out more:…

Starla Bradley - Director of The Community Rehabilitation Program
"All of these young people who are being awarded today have been in the juvenile justice system which means that they have either been at risk for committing an offense, committing criminal or other offenses like criminal behavior. Some of them have been in the youth hostel and some have been in the Wagner's youth facility. It is often very difficult when a young person becomes involved in the juvenile justice system quite often they are kicked out of school even before they are convicted. They end up with a criminal record and that has its own stigma. It is very hard for them to get back to school or find a job that is one aspect of the challenges when we think of what they have had to face but not only that. Children who come in contact with law, the vast majority come from extremely difficult circumstances, have history of abuse, exploitation, neglect, poverty, and I could go on but the fact of the matter is there are these adversities that they have had to overcome and the ones that we are recognizing there have been at there lowest point. They have really taken advantage of the services provided not just by this department but the support from their families and other agencies and they have found that power from within to take steps to achieve a more productive life for themselves."

Raheem Bailey - Award Recipient
"It was a six-month program through the CRD apprenticeship program. Through that program, I have worked as an assistant technician at policies and planning unit and it impacted my life very much. It equipped me to learn about computer repairing, computer programming, and different networking of technology. When I first started the program I did not really want to do it but my mom really pushed me to do it. Like every other youth in street. We were troubled. We did not grow up with a gold spoon in our mouth. It impacted me because these people really helped me by giving me a job for six months. They even wanted to send me to 6th form so I could achieve my associate's degree but tragedy struck so I had to hold back but I would like to pursue my associates. I would advise the youth to join the program and try to get help."

The event was held under the theme "Through Adversity We Rise."

63 clients received certificates and a gift bag for being  "On the Right Path", 30 received plaques, a gift bag, and $20 phone credit for a "Milestone Achievement", while 6 received a brand-new cell phone and $20 phone credit courtesy BTL.