Pubdate: Mon, 15 Mar 2004
Source: Clearwater Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 Clearwater Times
Contact:  http://www.clearwatertimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1448
Author: Robson Beaudry
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

YOUNGSTERS LEARN DRUG ABUSE RESISTANCE

A total of 97 Grade 5 and 6 students at Raft River Elementary School took
part in a 15-week DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program put on
recently by Clearwater RCMP, reports Const. Stuart Seib.

"The officers and the students form a special bond over the course of the
program, one that can leave a lasting impression," Seib said.

The constable and Cpl. Mark Labossiere taught four separate programs, with
students from Brenda Ritcey's and Katrina Link's combined class, Laura
Pickering's class, Grace Gormley's class and Charmaine Baerg's class.

During the program, Seib and Labossiere would attend the school in uniform
once a week, where they presented one-hour sessions to the two classes they
taught.

The goal of the DARE program is to equip the youngsters with the knowledge
of what drugs can do to them, and how to avoid getting into drugs and
violence. It also does much to boost the self esteem of the students.

Seib has been doing the program for five years. He has taught four classes
in Ashcroft, four in Cache Creek, two in Logan Lake, one in Clinton, two in
Alert Bay, and two in Clearwater at Raft River.

Labossiere has taught the program for two years, and has presented it to two
classes at Raft River, along with classes at Vavenby and Blue River.

Both the corporal and the constable volunteered to do the program, and both
report they enjoy working with the kids.

Seib noted that two years ago President Bush declared that DARE would be
taught to every Grade 6 student in the United States, and provided full
funding. In Canada the program is run completely by donation, and does not
cost schools or taxpayers any money at all.

The program's curriculum includes sessions on understanding the effects of
mind-altering drugs, changing beliefs about drug use, and learning
resistance techniques.

More information about DARE, including the history in Canada and worldwide,
is available at www.darebc.ca on the Internet.

During DARE graduation ceremonies held at Raft River on Tuesday, school
principal Gloria Hall commented: "It is a wonderful thing that we have had
these officers come in and do this program. What a testament to the
community service done by the RCMP in Clearwater."
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MAP posted-by: Josh