Pubdate: Wed, 19 Mar 2003
Source: Yorkton This Week (CN SN)
Copyright: 2003 Yorkton This Week
Contact:  http://www.yorktonthisweek.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2543
Author: Sheri Trapp

TEACHING YOUTH TO BE STRONG

More and more students are daring to stand up and make a difference, and 
that strength to be strong can be attributed to the training of Constable 
Tricia Etienne and her D.A.R.E program.

Etienne who recently returned from a trip to the United States where she 
was one of four Saskatchewan members to complete the D.A.R.E. Mentor 
Officer Training Course, is enthusiastic about the program.

"This really is one of the best parts of my job," stated Etienne. "I get to 
come out to schools and work with youth on such important topics."

The D.A.R.E program teaches the youth how to cope with certain situations 
and various pressures.

"It's basically an anti-drug and anti-violence program," explained Etienne. 
"They learn how to deal with stress, peer pressure, as well as how to be 
strong and say 'no'."

Etienne's dedication to the program has now gone one step farther with the 
completion of the additional training.

"Now I am part of a four member training team in Saskatchewan who will 
teach the course to other members," she explained. "It is a very 
comprehensive course which takes a lot of commitment."

In order to be selected for the training which Etienne took in 
Pennsylvania, Baltimore and New York City, she had to show she was 
committed to the program.

"I am committed to doing this and although it takes up a lot of my own time 
it is an extremely rewarding experience," she stated.

Etienne's D.A.R.E class at Yorkdale Central School is currently being 
taught to the grade six students and their teacher Pat Hansen, strongly 
believes it is a benefit to all involved.

"It really helps them to learn about the pressures that are surrounding 
them," said Hansen. "At this age their social circles are getting bigger 
and involving others from outside their immediate surroundings."

The students are currently learning how to interpret messages which are 
being sent out through advertisements, and the difference between a 
commercial and a Public Service Announcement (PSA). "Remember a PSA is 
teaching you a lesson, where as a commercial is just trying to sell you 
something," Etienne told the class. "You have to look at those messages and 
be critical ... judge it for what it's worth."

As the students learn about what messages are being sent out through ads 
for products such as beer, the teachers are hopeful it will help them with 
their judgement in the future.

"It's all about bringing awareness so they can make positive choices," said 
Hansen. "This allows them to receive the information they need to do that."

Etienne has now been teaching the program for four years, and she is 
pleased with how it has been received.

"There are benefits that are already evident, although it is difficult to 
measure exactly how much," noted Etienne. "Even if one student has using 
the tools they are taught through this program to save themselves from 
getting involved in a bad situation, it is all worth it."

Another positive aspect the teachers feel the program brings is the 
connection the students are making with police officers.

"By coming into the classroom and interacting closely with them it shows 
that we are approachable," said Etienne. "I think that is important for 
them to realize."

Hansen agrees. "They respond well to her and it shows them they can 
establish a relationship with someone in law enforcement," noted Hansen. 
"They are enjoying having her here."

Etienne will continue to teach the program in Yorkton and in addition she 
will head out to train other members the comprehensive course.

"It's going to be busy, but I really don't mind because it's all worth it."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens