Pubdate: Sat, 10 Dec 2005 Source: Saipan Tribune (US MP) Copyright: 2005 Saipan Tribune Contact: http://www.saipantribune.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2666 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) PRTI-DARE ROLLS OUTS GUTS PROGRAM The Pacific Regional Training Institute-Drug Abuse Resistance Education program continued its new pilot program, Get Up and Try Something, to provide various activities and programs for the youths of Guam, the CNMI, and other neighboring islands in the Pacific region. The program is designed to get the youth actively involved in various activities such as sports and occupational opportunities that exist within or outside the community. In addition, the program helps DARE with its drug awareness and prevention programs, using various activities to keep youth busy instead of sitting around or getting involved in criminal activities, help improve and increase their self-esteem, and team building The new pilot program was introduced and taught by PRTI supervisor Edward Maratita Jr. and Eskuelan San Francisco De Borja students had the opportunity to experience the new program's various activities. The important aspect of GUTS is that it gives students a chance to determine what they want to do with their lives as well as understand the consequences should they make irresponsible decisions. Students are taught that success comes with a price, and that dreams are only attainable through hard work, sacrifice, personal discipline, and self-control. The lessons are directed toward developing short-term and long-term goals, personal responsibility for one's success, living mediocrity, and honoring and supporting each other in pursuit of life goals. The program's success is determined by improvement in a student's academics, attendance, and attitude. These criteria are evaluated on an ongoing basis, and students clearly understand that negative performance in any of these areas is grounds for removal from the program. Once the student's show improvement, they are always welcome to come back. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin