Cook Is. Youth Centres
p. 119 · Read in the full issue
YOUTH CENTRES, which are now springing up in the Cook Islands, will fill a need, because young Islanders rarely have a chance to engage in social activity, apart from a few dances and the cinema.
The first centre, with 27 young young men, was formed at Ngatangiia, Rarotonga, on January 25; then followed the Ngatangiia Young Women’s Centre, formed on February 4 with 15 members; Arorangi on February 21 with 12 members; and Tupapa, being formed, promises to have the biggest membership.
Each centre has four elected elder members who guide the activities, but are without voting power.
These suggestions come from the members themselves, and their present major interests are improving their knowledge of English, and learning carpentry.
Another popular subject, in which the girls are as interested as the boys, is bookkeeping. When funds become available the centres will buy sports gear.
At present it is felt it would be unwise at attempt to introduce youth centres to the outer islands because of communication diffi culties.