By: May Grecia Rago

They say second chances must be seized.
For this Child in Conflict with the Law, he did not just grab his second opportunity in life. He also made a mark.
Years back, “Harold”(not his real name), had to face a situation not every child his age gets to encounter.
He was brought to the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY), a center of DSWD for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL).
Far from that kid though, Harold, now 17 years old, proved that with proper guidance, kids can explore their potentials instead of falling victim as child offenders.
Harold recently won in the “Write On Writing Competition” as one of the top three winners in the country in the professional category.
“It was one of the best stories that I have seen a 17-year-old write,” said Bobby Pappas, a US Peace Corps volunteer.
Pappas said Write On is an international writing competition started by Peace Corps volunteers.
Write On Philippines was conducted recently by American volunteers working in the Philippines.
The competition aims to build creative writing skills, foster new writers, teach the youth on how to be creative in writing, provide avenues for self-expression as well as showcasing of writing skills.

PROOF
Asked whether how he feels about his winning, Harold said, “It made me happy. I have proven that CICL can achieve things also.”
Harold was enrolled by RRCY staff at the Alternative Learning System (ALS) so that his studies can be continued.

LIVELIHOOD
Harold, along with other residents of RRCY, are currently into stone pot making.
The livelihood project has made them earn money for themselves. Some were even able to send money for their families.
Some also sent money for their relatives to have fare to go visit them.

The stone pots have been showcased already in various fairs including Guimaras Manggahan Festival and DSWD Anniversary.
The center also has a showroom where the crafts of the residents are displayed.

MUSIC, DANCE AS THERAPY
As observed by the staff of RRCY, music and dance have proven to be an effective therapy for the rehabilitation of the CICL.
Susan Mogato, center head of RRCY, said that they have employed lessons in music and dancing for the rehabilitation of children.
“We saw that these were effective in helping the kids,” she said.
As of this writing, the group has won in the provincial level in a recent dance competition. Also, they have an established band at the center.

CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
Mogato also revealed that the RRCY was recently conferred as a Center of Excellence.
The accreditation is being conducted by the Standards Bureau of the DSWD National Office.
Areas being looked into are facilities, case management, and implementation of programs and services.
The Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) is a residential facility for children in conflict with the law ages 15 years old and below 18. The center aims to provide the residents the ambiance of a home for their reformation./dswd6