Pubdate: Thu, 05 Dec 2002
Source: Daily Graphic (CN MB)
Copyright: 2002 Portage la Prairie Daily Graphic
Contact:  http://www.bowesnet.com/dailygraphic/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/890
Author: Leslie Brtde

RCMP TO TEACH DARE-ING NEW PROGRAM AT LOCAL SCHOOLS

Portage la Prairie RCMP plans to introduce a new program early in the new 
year aimed at getting more children to say no to drugs. "We're going to 
teach kids about drugs, give them tools that will enable them to say 'Not 
interested' or 'I don't have time for drugs' if they're offered marijuana, 
alcohol or tobacco and the like," said RCMP Const. Bill Lumsdon, one of two 
local police officers trained to teach a course called Drug Abuse 
Resistance Education, or DARE.

Since Lumsdon received his DARE training in October, he has become a strong 
supporter of the program which was launched in Manitoba in 2000.

He is anxious to get the program off the ground in Portage.

"I've seen the effects of drugs on kids. If I can save one or two out of a 
30-kid class from drug abuse, it will be well worth my efforts," said Lumsdon.

He explained under the 17-week program, students in grades 5 and 6 will be 
taught about self-esteem, the consequences of drug use, how to manage 
stress without taking controlled substances, and techniques to resist peer 
pressure.

"The program is specifically designed for kids at these grade levels 
because they are so impressionable at this age. This is when they need to 
get the message that they have other choices besides doing drugs," Lumsdon 
said while reviewing curriculum material yesterday afternoon.

"When they're finished, they'll have tools for everyday living that they 
can take with them as they get older. It'll really help in the long run," 
he added.

Police believe the prevention program will be an effective tool in its 
campaign to curb the growing drug trade in the Portage area. "We're always 
dealing with drugs that are a concern in this community .... I've also been 
in situations to seize drugs in massive amounts throughout the province of 
Manitoba. We know it is a big industry," Lums-don said.

"It now appears more kids are getting involved with drugs at an earlier age 
.... By running DARE, we're optimistic that over the long term, we can not 
only help reduce those numbers but cut down on overall drug activity as well."

The RCMP has received the green light to offer DARE at two city schools - 
La Verendrye and Fort la Reine - beginning in January. Dennis Shindle, 
assistant superintendent of the Portage la Prairie School Division, said 
DARE will be a good addition to the drug and alcohol awareness programs 
already in place.

"We think this program will give information to children at a young age 
that will have a good impact on them," said Shindle. "It will certainly be 
a good support to the comprehensive drug/alcohol program for K through 12."

While Lumsdon waits to launch the initiative, he is trying to drum up 
financial support within the community for the program. He said it costs on 
average about $40 per child to offer the course.

"We're asking community members who have kids in schools to sponsor 
children or give cash donations. We want them to identify the program as 
being worthwhile and support it," added Lumsdon.

The money will be used to purchase teaching materials and promotional items 
for participating students.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart