On the glorious island of Saint Lucia which is justly famous for its sun and sea holidays, not everyone is able to benefit from tourism.

Many of the island's young people are disadvantaged - marginalised through special needs, social deprivation or failure by the traditional education system.

C.A.R.E. (The Centre for Adolescent Renewal and Education) was established in April 1993 to help disadvantaged St. Lucian youths to take control of their lives through a programme geared towards the promotion of self empowerment by providing life skills, vocational and basic education in a nurturing and safe environment.

These young people find themselves ill equipped for life and are unable to find employment. Others get hooked on drugs and/or turn to violence. Failure is very much part of their lives and, as a result of this lack of self confidence, many radiate hostility and lack trust - they feel that no-one listened to them. 

C.A.R.E works with young people between the ages of 12 and 20. There are several centres throughout theisland, and the volunteer programme is based in the Anse La Raye centre.

A large variety of volunteers' skills and abilities will be welcomed by the directors and staff of this local education charity. The following skills are needed to support the dedicated staff in their work supporting, training and preparing school drop-outs for a worthwhile future:

• * teaching - remedial English and maths, particularly practical
• * special needs educators, especially those experienced in autistic spectrum disorders including Aspergers Syndrome and/or those with specific learning difficulties
• * drama teachers and coaches
• * IT and web skills
• * clinical psychologists, therapists, counsellors
• * youth workers
• * practical skills - electronics and carpentry
• * life skills
• * small-business skills

The highly professional and dedicated staff also need help to build their own capacity - organisational, accounting, marketing and human resources practitioners will be welcomed to help.