DARE-ING GRADE 6 STUDENTS

After two years of teaching students how to say no to drugs, Edson RCMP
Const. Wally Henry is ready to put another group of Grade 6 students
through the DARE program.

"They say the average life expectancy of a DARE instructor is three years,
but I still look forward to going to the schools," he said. "It's a nice
break from the regular office routine."

Established in 1983 in Los Angeles, Henry said DARE has grown to become a
world-wide program to combat the war on drugs.

This year, Const. Kent Dahl will partner with Henry to teach students in
every school in Edson, except Vanier Community Catholic School and
Yellowhead Koinonia Christian School.

There are plans to train another instructor some time this year, to teach
in 2000-2001, which will enable them to add Vanier and possibly Peers,
Niton Junction and Fulham schools next year.

Over 17 weeks, around 160 students will learn about the different kinds of
drugs, including tobacco and alcohol, as well as their effects.

At the end of the program, a graduation ceremony will be held for students
who complete the workbook and essay requirements.

"The kids have to make a commitment too," said Henry. "This isn't a class
they can slough off in. They have to work at it too."

There will be classes on building self-esteem and being strong enough to
resist peer pressure.

"The kids are learning to say no to drugs, but it's not us coming in with a
drug kit, saying drugs are bad and leaving," said Henry.

Now that the program has been running for a couple of years, Henry said
he's starting to get feedback from DARE graduates.

"I had one kid come up to me at the arena and say that what he learned has
really helped him to say no to peer pressure."

Students who will be taught this year are already excited about it.

"They know about the program, and they're looking forward to a different
kind of class."

Although the program was developed in Los Angeles, California, Henry said
it is revamped every three years to make it pertinent to today's kids in
both rural and urban centres.

"It's pertinent to small town Alberta as well as large cities too."

While students need this program now, the results will not be noticeable
until a student graduating Grade 12 and one going into Grade 7 at the same
time have had the DARE program.

"It's a really positive program and it's part of the school's whole package
of helping kids deal with violence and drug abuse," said Henry. "It's also
good for police-kid relationships. This let's them see us in a different
light."

Henry is also receiving strong support from the community.

This year, the Rotary Club of Edson, WestView Regional Health Authority,
Superior Video, Contour Construction, Edson Drycleaners and Pinegrove Rural
Crime Watch have all given donations to the program.

"We really do need community support to do this."

Parents, teachers and the school board agree. Henry said he's been
receiving very positive feedback from all.

Because of the sensitive nature of the class, students are required to
receive permission from parents before they take part.

"Parents have said they see a difference in the attitude of their children
when they come out of this," said Henry.