Pubdate: Sun, 23 Oct 2005
Source: Saipan Tribune (US MP)
Copyright: 2005 Saipan Tribune
Contact:  http://www.saipantribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2666
Author: PR
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

NEW D.A.R.E PROGRAM KEEPS NMI YOUTH BUSY

The Pacific Regional Training Institute-Drug Abuse Resistance
Education program recently launched its new pilot program, "Get Up and
Try Something," or G.U.T.S.

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 D.A.R.E. with its drug awareness
prevention, using various activities to keep the youth busy instead of
sitting around or getting involved in criminal activities.

The new program was introduce and taught by PRTI supervisor Edward
Maratita Jr.

Eskuelan San Francisco De Borja students had the opportunity to
experience the new pilot program. D.A.R.E said that one important
aspect of G.U.T.S. 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, and personal responsibility for one's
success," said D.A.R.E. in a statement.

D.A.R.E said that 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 students show improvement, they're welcome
to come back," it said.

With the assistance of the Rota Hotel, which provided the outdoor
swimming pool facility for the launching of the G.U.T.S. program, the
program looks forward to the hotel's continued support in providing
positive alternatives and smart choices for the youths.

"The Rota Hotel management and staff had been tremendously helpful in
providing assistance to the program and students. The program would
like to thank Mr. Joey Quitugua, who volunteered to assist Sgt.
Maratita with the launching of the new program. Mr. Quitugua, a school
teacher and supporter of D.A.R.E. and other drug awareness prevention
program, pledged his support and time to assist with the new program
that would help the youth," D.A.R.E said.

The program also thanked the parents, Avery Hocog, Kumiko Chuman,
Cynthia Semana; the teachers of ESFDB who came out and volunteered to
watch the students and see them enjoy their activity; Rota Junior High
School principal George Ayuyu; and Roque Santos for providing
transportation for the students.

According to Sgt. Maratita, the G.U.T.S program is at the stage of
planning other activities that include membership to the Jr. NBA/WNBA
program, World Youth Sports and Activities program, and off-island
Academic Model Program to name a few. 
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