By Raven Saville, Youth Educator and Leslie Estrella, Program Manager, Project Isa-Ta: PREP-PATHways, WestCare Pacific Islands
The countdown to WestCare Pacific Islands’ PREP PATHways’ finale has officially begun! Despite the global pandemic, nothing has kept the PREP teams from Guam and the Republic of Palau from connecting with the community. The teams persevered and rose to the challenge by harnessing their adaptability and resiliency.
As a result, both teams implemented innovative and creative strategies.
As we reflect on the six years of the PREP grant’s implementation, we leave with full hearts and happy souls knowing that we left a positive impact on countless middle-schoolers. The PREP staff has successfully reduced risky behaviors, supported healthier youth and families, and increased our youth’s self-esteem and leadership skills. The lives that we have touched are a testament to the passion and the work that PREP has done both in Guam and Palau!
Long-lasting friendships were forged and will continue beyond the PREP grant.
The efforts of our community partners – the school administrators and counselors who believed in the PREP team – will never be forgotten! We close our PREP adventures with a simple message to our youth: We hope that you build and share the isa-ta (our rainbow) skills that you’ve learned from your time with us and continue to grow a much more colorful and vibrant future. Be inspired, feel empowered, and always rise!
