Pubdate: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 Source: Okotoks Western Wheel (CN AB) Copyright: 2002, Okotoks Western Wheel Contact: http://www.westernwheel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1638 DAREWORKS! GIVEN PROVINCIAL APPROVAL The local DAREWorks! Society found out this week has been given a stamp of approval from a provincial committee who reviewed the program earlier this year. A committee struck by the Ministry of Learning declared, in a report released in June, that schools are free to supplement their health and life skills curriculum with DARE programs. However, the province has not said they will fund DARE programs. DAREWorks! executive director Lori Czerwinski said she is pleased with the outcome of the committees review of the program. 'This is good news,' Czerwinski said. 'We have been recognized as a viable program.' DAREWorks! offers in-class instruction for Grade 6 classes on resisting peer pressure by building self-esteem in order to help students have the tools needed to stay away from bullying and harmful drug use. The education program is taught by RCMP Cst. Geoff Carpenter throughout the Foothills School Division (FSD). 'I think schools like our program because a specialist comes in to teach it so the message stays consistent,' Czerwinski said. Recently Carpenter started teaching a refresher course for Grade 8 FSD students. Czerwinski said the government approval is a good first step in building a relationship between the province and DARE programs. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh