Ron Dubciak, Executive Director of the Niagara Citizen's Advisory Committee, a non-profit organization, helping youths at risk, shared some of his visdom with us today.   The organization was created by caring, willing people, with expertise in usefull skills, who saw the need for behavioral modification training, via  teaching work skills to youths.   It runs a 14 - 16 week training program for youths ages 16 - 18, dismantling and recycling old computers and other electronic equipment, except monitors.   Up to 60 tons of discarded electronic equipment are processed weekly, earning them three quarter of a million annually.   However, this training is expensive, and they do rely on some government assistance.

A very high percentage of the students have been removed from school, are active criminals, are without work experience, and without any support system ,or home address.   Teaching these youngsters a skill gives them a chance in life that they otherwise would never have had.   Many have returned to school.

The students get training in supervisory skills, group, as well as individual counselling, and first aid training.   A 'Senior Mentoring Program' has been develloped, and the students respect seniors and perform well with them.   Helping, and working in the community gives the students confidence to move forward.   These students worked long hours, cleaning up after the Rotary Rib Fest.

 The students have restored 15,000 computers and have sent them to Haiti, Nicaragua, and other third world countries.   A bottle recycling undertaking went so well that they ran out of bottles.   Recently, the Catholic School Board offered them acreage, on which to grow corn for bio-fuel.  Proceeds from this project will go to a trust fund for some future endeavour.

What a delightful, positive rendition of how dedicated and caring people/teachers can turn our lost youth into good, productive citizens.

 
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