The Teen Center

I just wanted to share some pics.

Welcome to the teen center, or for those Spanish speakers out there,
the Casa de Juventud. This building was a gift from the mayor to the
youth of the county. It is now run entirely by a board of volunteer
high school and college students. Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture
and Youth, it is only one of three of it's kind in the country.

The Casa provides a space for established youth programs such as Teen
Red Cross, Scouts, and a youth environmental program to hold meetings
and events. It is also a great venue for non profits to hold events
for local teens like movie nights, a girls-only sexuality/self esteem
support group, and sometimes even theatre workshops.

Beyond that, other groups are looking at investing in more programming
in the Casa. Intel and the Association of Entrprenuers for Development
will soon begin to use 15 recently donated computers to give
technology classes to high school and college age members of the
community. Our brand new ping pong tables will premier later this
month. And anyone who needs a place to practice their music is welcome
to rock out in any open room at any hour between 9-9. This often
provides everyone in the adjacent park with some incredible,
spontaneous, free concerts.

In short, if it's not already, it's soon to fulfill it's potential of
what a community center really should be. Especially when we gain
exclusive access to the kitchen. Until then, we're allowing the city's
grounds crew to use it because, seriously, they're all pretty cool,
especially in their orange polo shirts.

Nevermind the fact that we hastily and less-than-artistically
graffitied the interior walls to protect the building from a municipal
takeover. Don't worry about details like the lack of a lock on the
bathroom door. Get over the roaches. So what if the only trash can is
outside and it's raining. Need a pen? You probably won't find one
here. Need to use the Internet? We guarantee the slowest, least
consistent wifi signal around. And seriously, are you still
complaining about the dirty dishes in the sink?

Then go next door to the Casa de Cultura (think you can translate that
one on your own?) which provides music, art, language, and dance
classes at half the price of what you'd find anywhere else, where they
can afford to pay someone to clean, which doubles as a national
historical site, which has a slightly faster Internet connection, and
free bathrooms.

Or go sit in the park in front of the two Casas. Enjoy the fountain,
admire the Catholic Church, pet a street dog, dodge a high schooler
inevitably popping a wheelie on his bike, or just sit back, relax and
soak in the spirit of the city called Colon.

Perhaps you'd like to kick a ball around on the soccer field across
the street? Or would you rather walk through the old market? Pick up a
delicious empanada, get your haircut, grab some indigenous
handicrafts, bring home some fresh seafood, or meat, fruits, or fresh
tortillas. You can find a little of everything, yet never feel
overwhelmed by the typical crowds.

Villa Colon really is a wonderful town, but hey, let's keep it simple.
If you want to see where I do most of my work, come on in to the teen
center. We'd love to have you.

Daniel and Dimas will even greet you at the door.