TITLE: Grasp the chance

In Poland there are 94 Teens Rehab Centers (TRC) to support teenagers that show social maladjustment (not attending school, drugs, minor thefts etc.). They are directed there by the court sentence. Teens Rehab Center in principle is a closed place, however it is possible to go out accompany with the teacher, or to get the permit to visit home for the weekend. TRC No 2 in Warsaw is dedicated for the school-age girls (14-18). The girls attend the regular school in the center and are learning the basis of the professions like hairdresser, tailor or makeup artist. Divided into smaller groups, they work out the social skills, trying to rebuild the trust to other people. The daily routine consists of meals, lessons, group and individual educational activities, duties like cleaning or laundry, and the most awaited one hour in the evening when girls are allowed to use their mobile phones. These teens very often are coming from malfunctioning families, not having normal childhood. Some of them have scars on their forearms, all of them have scars in their life and souls. What they miss the most is the close relation with other people. Stay in the center give them a chance to find a new way of life.

AUTHOR: Roman Kalinowski (Poland)