Pubdate: Wed, 02 Feb 2005 Source: 100 Mile House Free Press (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 100 Mile House Free Press Contact: http://www.100milefreepress.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2143 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) DARE PROGRAM WILL BEGIN IN FEBRUARY 100 Mile children will soon be able to partake in a unique program where they will learn how to resist peer pressures that can lead to harmful habits. The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program is scheduled to start up at participating elementary schools in the area in February. The program, taught by a police officer, teaches school children how to recognize, and resist social pressures to experiment with tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. As well, they will learn the personal and social consequences of drug abuse. Cpl. Rod Wiebe, of the 100 Mile RCMP, said the program, geared to Grade 5 and 6 students, runs for nine weeks with the officer providing a weekly lesson. "It truly is a program," said Wiebe. "It's not one of these one-off things where the police come and talk about, you know, don't do drugs - - it's bad." Children in the program will also tackle other social issues they may face when they enter intermediate and high school, such as bullying and violence. At the same time they will learn to better their self-esteem. According to Wiebe, the program is scheduled to begin at Buffalo Creek Elementary in mid-February, and at Mile 108 Elementary soon after. And while it isn't mandatory, those kids who are interested in taking it must first get written permission from their parents. There is no cost to participate. "We raise the money," said Wiebe. "It's funded totally by the community. We have a charity hockey tournament each year, and we are organizing a regional ball that will raise money for this as well. It's strictly on donation. That's the only way we can run this program." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake