Introducing Youth Center Jong Bonaire

Some 10 years ago, a group of island residents researched the island's recent but increasing petty theft problem. What they learned was that there was a solution. It turned out that there was very little to do after school, especially for the secondary school (SGB) kids. Parents often were not home in the afternoons, so kids roamed the streets. Negative consequences included an alarming increase in drug use. Thus it was no surprise that Bonairean teens became more and more involved in crime.

Everybody realised something must be done. And soon an impressive youth center arose at Kaya S. Bolivar 16 in Kralendijk, financed primarily by a contribution from KabNA (mostly Dutch government money). The center houses classrooms, a computer room, music room, auditorium, gym, kitchen, sport fields, and more. Each year it has a membership of 150 to 175 teens, all from the SGB secondary school system. These kids are welcomed daily at Jong Bonaire from 1 to 6 pm, after which buses take them home.

The center has succeeded far beyond its original goal. Members receive help with homework, as well as computer and internet lessons. They have the opportunity to experience sports such as volleyball, basketball, rollerblading, windsurfing, scuba and snorkeling. They can learn theater, cooking, music, yoga, various handicrafts and more. There are seminars and workshops for kids and parents aimed at preventing drug abuse, teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted deseases and crime. Center staff work to strengthen families and help teens grow into community-involved citizens. They guide Bonaire's future adults toward productive and rewarding careers.

All this is accomplished with a staff of 7 professional youth leaders, one administrator and a concierge, plus some 25 volunteers who help with homework, computers or general supervision. One third of the center's funding comes from parent contributions and room/equipment rental. Government subsidies provide about a fourth. Fundraising must make up the rest. Obviously this is not an easy task on a small island like Bonaire.

We believe that many who enjoy Bonaire's beauty and quiet peace would like to give something back to the island and its people, but that it is not easy to know what really helps. The answer is that Jong Bonaire helps. And you can help Jong Bonaire. Many kinds of assistance are needed, from volunteers to donations. The simplest but perhaps most far-reaching is a donation of $120 for a teen whose parents cannot afford the annual contribution. You can sponsor a child into Jong Bonaire for one year simply by depositing $120 into our account   (103 716 01 at Maduro & Curiel's Bank, Kaya L.D.Gerharts, Bonaire).

We also invite you to come and visit the center. We think that when you see the smiling faces of the kids, busy with positive, learning activities, you will be convinced that this is indeed a force for positive change both for the youth of Bonaire and for our island as a whole. To make an appointment please call our manager Bilha Thomas at 717-4100.

All of us at Jong Bonaire want to express our "Masha Danki" for your support. We hope to meet you personally on your visit to our center, so the child can thank you itselves!!