Tuesday, December 16, 2008

STATISTICS & MY ASSIGNMENT...

Per the Peace Corps "Assignment" Book:

65% of Paraguayans are below 30 years of age, 50% of the population of Paraguay is under the age of twenty, of which 40% are under the age of fifteen. Half of these are considered to be "high risk" youth, who do not receive the benefits of a good education, health care or an adequate home life.

I have been assigned as an Urban Youth Development ("UYD") Worker to help integrate high-risk youth into their families and communities through the development of social, professional and life skills. As a UYD Volunteer, I will work to develop the leadership capabilities of youth, adults and Paraguayan professionals involved in youth services. This is accomplished by involving youth and adults in organized community activities in the following areas: socio-cultural sports-recreation, mental and physical health issues, environment, job skills and community skills.

It will be my responsibility to plan, organize and implement educational programs aimed at the expressed needs of the youth.

Personally, I am looking forward to this challenge, as well as taking on secondary projects, such as coming up with sports and art programs, teaching HIV/AIDS prevention, teaching English and creating a photography workshop for the youth.

I hope to have a good grasp on speaking Spanish by the time I depart, so that when I arrive in Paraguay, I can focus on mastering Guarani (the native language,) so I can communicate more efficiently and be a better volunteer.

One of the biggest things on my 'wish-list,' while away, will be deflated soccer balls. I'm sure you can imagine how I intend to use these--as prizes and incentives to the youth to reach certain goals and accomplishments.

I can only hope and pray that I will be a great volunteer to the youth and help them achieve accomplishments, healthy self-esteem, self-sustainability and belief in themselves.