Wagner's Youth Facility

Life at WYF

Colive Casimiro
Director

"While working with the youth, I have found that I understand in a very real way the challenges for young men growing up in Belize. I have made adjustment in the program and introduced vocational classes, which I hope will minimize the recidivism rate.

A typical day for us begins at 5:30am, at which time these youths wake up and prepare themselves for physical training from 5:45 am to 6:15am. They are given time for personal hygiene and to prepare themselves and their environment i.e. lockers, building area and kitchen for inspection.

They engage in spiritual development at 8:00 where youths sing songs and discuss scriptural passages from the Bible. They then engage in proper foot drills and physical training exercises, which assist in discipline and teamwork. Academic classes commences at 8:45 am until 2:10pm, at which time they are given time to have lunch. The Vocational classes follow at 1:00pm.

At 2:15pm, all inmates are separated into different personal development sessions including Narcotic Anonymous, emotional Anonymous, Personal Development and Life Skills. From 3:00 through to 4:00pm, they engage in organized sporting activities. At 5:00pm they are given time for personal hygiene after which they have supper. They all enter the dorm and engage in evening devotion followed by the local news. All youths must be present to view exactly what is happening in and around our country.

They are given an hour and one- half for movie watching. (Note: all movies are screened by staff prior to viewing). Lights go out at 9:00pm sharp. Timing must be adhered to, as this will assist the youths in the near future with regimented time management.

I feel that I am imparting the knowledge I have acquired and am passing it on to these young men. I have seen youth enter WYF with feelings of despair for the future, not believing that their lives had potential. I have witnessed changes in which our young men now live with hope for their lives and the lives of their families outside the walls of WYF. I must also recognize my staff for their hard work and their dedication in making possible changes in the lives of our youths."
(See schedule at current information)

Dwayne Cruz
Inmate Prefect at WYF

"The way how this facility operates is one of a kind. I  wish that we had these programs out there in society and along with the attentiveness that we have in here. The programs that we have here touch us deeply especially the academic and vocational programs. Here is where we have older prisoners come and share their personal experiences and the wrong choices that they have made to let them come to where they are at this present moment. They also encourage us to make a stop to whatever we are doing bad now in our youth so that when we get to their age, we won’t become like them. They keep on reminding us that they started just like how we are starting and they are showing us now where we will end up. If we as young as young criminals can take the time to sit down and look on life on a high perspective here at Wagner’s, I know that we can make a difference in our lives. All this couldn’t have happen if it wasn’t for the mighty works of God who blessed the Kolbe Foundation for making tremendous changes in the lives of today’s youth."

Testimonies

Colive Casimiro:
My name is Mr. Colive Casimiro, Director of Wagner’s Youth Facility. For me, working with youth from different walks of life has been more than an honor. At first, the reaction on their faces was that of resentment, however, after speaking with them, some were hopeful while others remain resentful. Over the past few months, I have seen tremendous changes in my youth, largely so because of the open- door policy and humane treatment our staff has developed towards these inmates.
On a daily basis, I speak with these young people both in groups and individually and seek to impart encouragement, direction and knowledge as a ‘father- figure’. It is certainly a worthwhile experience. For every child we save, we strengthen a family. For ever ten children saved, we strengthen a community. As we continue striding towards the future, we strengthen our country. Positive role model brings forth positive youth, which in turn brings forth positive and respectable fathers and leaders.

Dwayne Cruz:
Currently, I am incarcerated at the Wagner’s Youth Facility. My experience here at WYF is one of the most rare. First off, I came with a mentality just to do my time and go home, learning nothing that they have to offer. As the days go by, I started to realize that I cannot just do my time doing nothing. All the programs that they have is for the betterment of myself. The reason why I say my experience is one of the most rare is because I have never found myself thinking about life then, than how I am thinking now. I used to think that life is just to wake up, eat and go about your business through the rest of the day. Here at Wagner’s, I found out that life is much more important than that. Life is about knowing the purpose you are here on earth and what are you going to do to ensure the betterment of yourself and your offspring. I also learned how to control my emotions, have more patience, self control, giving and showing respect. All these I had in mind out there but I dind not put it to use. Here, I learn to practice all of them. Wagner’s really and truly change my whole way of thinking. It makes me feel like I am someone in life. Also it gives me the strength to share my personal experience with others so that they can change their lives also. The programs are Educational, Encouraging, Rehabilitating and Motivating. Thanks to the staff for putting their effort in changing our lives.

Martin Vasquez Jr.:
Being at the youth facility sadly has been one of the best privileges that I have received. Initially, I felt frustrated, discouraged, unsatisfied and unconfident with myself knowing that I would be far away from home. As time passed, I have learned to value opportunities and privileges in life. I have learned to value moral principles and have developed my self confidence, self- esteem and motivational drive. I have started contributing to the facility by teaching my fellow peers and preparing them for the path to success.
I believe that the direction established by the staff at WYF is very appropriate in rehabilitating the young men of this institution. The structure is well developed and its success is marked by the gradual changes and eventual restoration amongst these unfortunate young people.