Pubdate: Fri, 29 Sep 2006
Source: Sun St. Kitts and Nevis (Antigua)
Copyright: 2006 SUN Printing & Publishing LTD
Contact:  http://sunstkitts.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4295

COP UNDERSCORES DARE TEACHER'S ROLE IN FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS AND CRIME

While the battle against rise in drugs and crime in the Federation of 
St. Kitts/Nevis does not rest solely on the shoulders of DARE (Drug 
Awareness Resistance Education) teachers, their role in the fight has 
been described as a paramount one.

During the opening ceremony of the Caribbean DARE Officers Training 
Workshop on Monday, Acting Commissioner of Police, Meredith Charles, 
in speaking to existing and prospective DARE officers explained that 
if the DARE programme is to be successful, DARE teachers/DARE 
officers must exhibit commitment.

"DARE teachers, your commitment and interest are of optimum 
importance for the sustainability and success of the programme. Do 
not take the training for granted and deem it as another course added 
to your routine training. I implore you to take the job seriously and 
dedicate your services not only during your normal working hours but 
every, and anytime it becomes necessary to do so."

The Charles further explained that DARE teachers must prove 
themselves to be good examples to their students. This, he said, will 
contribute to the success of the DARE programme which would equate to 
a reduction in the drug related crimes in the Federation.

"A DARE teacher must have the capacity and skills to foster, counsel, 
guide and be a good example to his or her students. A DARE teacher 
must not only demonstrate interest in the students who are at school 
but away from school as well. The student must be told explicitly 
that if they are expected to function normally, they must avoid use 
of dangerous drugs at all cost. Especially when these drugs are not 
prescribed. No one should put anything which is harmful or known to 
be harmful into their bodies."

"We in St. Kitts/Nevis are better off today because of the DARE 
programme," Charles said continuing that, "the lives of so many 
children have been transformed for the better. ... All those who will 
be benefiting from this training must realise the skills and 
knowledge procured to the advantage of each child in the various 
schools and the community at large."
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MAP posted-by: Elaine