ALL CITY GRADE 6 STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM

For the first time in Corner Brook, every Grade 6 student will take
part in the D.A.R.E. program.

The drug abuse resistance education program has undergone many
changes in the city - mainly, until this year, it was only offered to
one or two classes a year.

Const. Robert Edwards, the drug awareness officer for the Corner
Brook RNC, told the Corner Brook Rotary Club Thursday that just
wasn't fair nor effective in reaching the city's teenagers. With
junior high right around the corner, often bringing with it many peer
pressures, he said it was important for all the students to gain the
knowledge of the dangers that exist.

He said the concern of youth and drugs are no longer just marijuana,
but now a large spectrum including prescription and illicit drugs. It
is not just a concern of "blue collar" youth, but everybody inclusive.

"It's the type of addiction that happens with any child as long as
the invitation is there and the availability is there," he said,
adding a youth can become instantly addicted to some of the drugs
available now.

The D.A.R.E. program has grown to become a decision-making model for
life, according to the officer, something which has been widely
recognized as a means of communication between parents and their children.

It is also a connection to the community, a way for people to help
better the future for today's youth, said Edwards.

"We are always saying, 'look what's happening in society, look
another crime happened, it looks like substance abuse, look at their
defence in court today - they are addicted to this or that," he said.
"This D.A.R.E program is a way for us to be preventative and
proactive in education also. Instead of being reactive to what we can
do about it, how do we deal with the issue. You educate the children
and you are investing in this child's life. It is going to make a big
difference to that child to learn all the hazards now and never ever
get in trouble or they don't know, are naive, and the next thing they
are involved in the criminal court systems."

At the end of the meeting, the Rotary club presented Edwards with
$500 to assist with delivering the program. 30/01/09