Is it possible to make a difference in the lives of juvenile delinquents? How?
By agilangpinoy
@agilangpinoy (66)
Philippines
August 7, 2009 12:13pm CST
I just saw a movie by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson about a probation officer's attempt to make a difference in the lives of juvenile delinquents in his city through the sport of football. The movie said it is based on a true story. I believe it is. By forming a football team out of the kids in his detention center he made winners out of losers. He taught them discipline, respect to others and self, winning and life. He struggled but in the end they won--not just the games but life itself. Only 5 out of 24 went back to jail. Many continued on studying even in college.
I do not play football. I am not involved in any sports--which is actually too bad for me, but I want to make a difference in the lives of teenagers in our community even before they commit a crime. Gangs are increasing in our town. Fraternities are on an all time high in schools. I do not want to come to a point that we have drive-by shootings. Nothing of that kind yet, I hope not ever. How can I help?
How can we help? Do you have any ideas? What's your story in your part of the world?
3 responses
@beaushell (339)
• Philippines
11 Aug 09
In our place juvenile delinquents program is far from ideal. We don't a place that holds them as young offenders. They are often mixed with the adult convicts. Whatever time frame we are talking about, its all the same. That is really a very sad reality here in our country. So when the sentenced punishment for them is over, they are more learned offenders than reformed. I once had the opportunity to see a local prison house with criminals of all ages held up. It was very far from a decent place to stay. From then on, it was a frequent thought of how to reach and help the juvenile delinquents. And I still can't find real answers. Except to pray.
@agilangpinoy (66)
• Philippines
11 Aug 09
May we pray for a day to see a society with not just a good juvenile justice system but a society with less and less juvenile delinquents--where youth are God-loving, parent-honoring and authority-obeying.
@littleme16ga (360)
• United States
7 Aug 09
You can always call the local children service department in your area and they can provide you with a listing of all the programs they have to offer for troubled children. You don't have to play sports to help out. Over here in the United States there are big brother or big sister programs. You can donate clothes to needy families during the holidays. Go to the local recreation center and do arts and crafts with kids. The list goes on and the possibilities as what you can do to help goes on.
@agilangpinoy (66)
• Philippines
11 Aug 09
Maybe our system is a bit lesser than yours. We do have a social welfare department but not that well advanced yet...hopefully...soon. But thanks for the ideas!
@Improbability (140)
• United States
11 Aug 09
I certainly admire your desire to help the youth. I know in the heart of our city there are some community centers with after school programs so that the students have some place safe to go, especially if their parents aren't home, or they don't have money for electricity and heat. Those places run all kinds of activities and programs, and would be a great way to volunteer. There's also looking in to big brother/big sister type programs. And as always, you could consider education in social services, and help the youth for a living. Good luck, I hope you do make a difference.
