Kristina Romero returns from workshop in Jerusalem, Israel

San Pedro’s National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) representative, Kristina Romero recently completed a one-month training program in Jerusalem, Israel. Titled “Educational Methodologies Youth At-Risk: Preventing Student Dropouts and Facilitating Reintegration”, the program was sponsored by Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV) in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The program lasted from May 4th to June 4th and was held at the Aharon Ofri International Training Center.
The 30 day interactive seminar included lectures and discussions led by experts, as well as several training workshops. The attendees also participated in analysis of educational planning through written material and professional visits. “The main purpose of the program was to equip us with the necessary knowledge to be able to identify who our youth at risk are and how we can help. Often times, we turn a blind eye to the behavior of our youth, or chalk it up to puberty; however the behaviors demonstrated can be early indicators that our youth need help,” said Romero.
“It was an extra ordinary learning experience as I not only learned about Youth at Risk and how to help them become functioning members of society, but I also learned about 15 other cultures from around the world. It was indeed an honor to represent my country as the only Belizean selected to attend this year. Participants were asked to present on their country during the cultural night, at which point I dressed as a Garinagu and spoke about the diverse cultures in Belize. I am hoping to recommend two people for next year’s seminars on Youth at Risk and two people for the Drug Prevention Seminar. ‘Every child has the potential to learn and succeed in life’ was a phrase that resonated throughout the lectures, making it clear that it is imperative that we invest in our youth’s development in order to have upstanding citizens in Society. They should not conform to old methods of teaching, but we as educators must adapt to their styles of learning and incorporate those in our lessons,” said Romero on her experience.
With the knowledge gained from her trip, Romero will be working along with the local community to facilitate workshops with colleagues from all over Belize to better equip them in working with Youth at Risk. “I want to have a workshop with teachers and counselors in San Pedro and Caye Caulker on topics such as mediation, alternative methods of instruction, biblio therapy, etc,” said Romero. She will also be presenting proposals to Non-Government Organizations and local government for the funding of at least one Youth Center for Youth at Risk in San Pedro and liaise with Ministry of Education to run a pilot program in one school to introduce Social Entrepreneurship for Youth at Risk. “I plan to stay in contact with The Aharon Ofri International Training Center in Israel so that other Belizeans can also get sponsorships to these programs.”