Her goal in life is so simple,   that is . . . to make others happy. After six years of working as hairdresser in famous Dugg in Oslo of her native land Norway, she packed her bag to experience something she had never done before. “Instead of just holidaying in a beach, I wanted to do something for other people and for myself,” the 23 – year – old Tina Ramsvik spoke.

Tina did some research, and begun striking on the keys of her computer that led her to come to the Philippines – now her second home. “This is actually a homecoming for her,” revealed Marcela Lim, Head Social Worker of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Eight.

“I have come to love the boys,” told Tina of the 67 boys (five are recent admissions) who are preparing themselves for a renewed life in a temporary home environment. Last year, this young European lass worked voluntarily with the RRCY for three weeks. Surely, the short-lived stay was not enough for Tina, as she made true her promise to return February of this year.

In the past year, she taught the boys volleyball, talk with them, and learn their stories. At first, Tina was scared with their dagger looks, not knowing that such were welcome looks mixed with feelings of awe, of having another blonde – haired guest into the Center.

It was but after a short while that she realized that they were just like the regular boys, and even described them as very polite and respectful. Tina was kind of culture shock after knowing them better. In her own country, the lady revealed, those of their generation are the bullying type.

She came to the conclusion that these young people are not bad after all; they have committed some misdemeanors because of pressure. She hastened to add that the boys come from different circumstances.

The RRCY head confided that, indeed, Tina has genuine concern for the boys. One time, one of the residents got a cut on his leg while axing on the tiles. Tina became so hysterical with the profuse blood coming out and volunteered to accompany the patient to a nearby government hospital, together with the houseparent.

There was also an instance when the boys just love to have their lunch by the beach, thus they brought along their meals, prepared at the Center. Tina willingly paid for the transportation expenses for the trip.

“I like the system here,” referring to the way the DSWD facility was being run, and the staff who compose it. “Even by just being there for the boys, talking to them, and teaching new skills are a big help for these once wayward young people, “ the Norwegian volunteer emphasized.

Lately, Tina introduced the boys to learn how to barber cut. The former stated that they can use it a means to start a living once they are discharged from the RRCY. Besides, the Center will be saved from spending Php 50.00 per boy per month, for the haircut of the boys in a commercial barber shop, Lim disclosed.

Asked when she would be off to her homeland, she replied, “April.” What is astonishing is that she ‘ ll be coming back again and again, at what appears to be a mission for her to be of service to the young people.