DARE is an invaluable program for kids, but too bad some adults couldn’t sit in on the class; they could definitely learn a thing or two.
In fact, the school district doesn’t need the RCMP to teach the program, because Grade 6 students would make great instructors.
The Chronicle was thoroughly impressed with Nathan Millward, Giselle Weisheit and Toren Martins (from Oliver Elementary) who delivered speeches on what they learned from the program, which is much more than saying “no” to drugs. It teaches the children to be confident in their choices, and enhances their self-esteem so they don’t need mind-altering substances to feel good about themselves.
DARE (drug abuse resistance education) touches on bullying, cause and effect, alcohol abuse, nicotine addiction and wise decision making.
Students never had this type of education 40 years ago. A police officer would visit the class once a year to tell you never to use drugs, but that was basically it.
But DARE instructors like Cst. Kathleen Biron cover the whole gamut from itemizing what’s in a cigarette to practising with the kids what to say when someone offers them a drug.
Even if the program saves one youth from a drug-fueled tragedy, it’s more than worth the time and resources put into it.
It will be interesting to see how many DARE graduates stay true to their pledge not to use drugs.
Peer pressure will get stronger as they enter high school, and they will be faced with more challenges to fit in and be accepted.
Let’s hope they stay strong and prevent others from falling through the cracks.
We love the last line of Nathan’s speech where he makes a legal promise to Cst. Biron to stay drug-free. He even gives “full rights” to hold this against him for the rest of his life.
We totally agree that it should be illegal for companies to sell (or profit from) products that are known killers. And the government profits from them as well by charging the tax. So every time someone dies from cancer associated with a tobacco product, the company and the government should be held liable.
The government may argue that people don’t have to buy these products, but nicotine is so powerfully addictive that many people can’t help themselves if they get hooked.
And don’t forget, the motive for many crimes, particularly break-ins, is to fuel drug addictions.
Kudos to the school district and RCMP for offering this program so early in the lives of our children.
Early intervention is the key, and we are confident that our kids will lead the charge to better outcomes . . . and fewer tragedies.
