TIME TO TAKE CHARGE OF OUR CHILDREN

Editor:

This past Tuesday, Feb. 15th, approximately 20 concerned parents attended
the "Drug Awareness and Identification" meeting held at the Agassiz
Library, initiated by Community Learning Initiatives. Considering the
amount of students we have in Agassiz, the turnout of parents was very
disappointing, perhaps one reason being lack of advertising. May I suggest
that when the next meeting takes place maybe pamphlets could be sent home
with all school-aged kids.

Const. Luelo discussed a variety of topics in regards to drug
identification and awareness, where drugs are coming from and the peer
pressure factors surrounding our kids. How drugs effect a person and just
how ruining and devastating it can be for families. We, as parents, need to
educate ourselves about the rise of drugs taking place around our kids; in
schools, home, up-town. It's easy to turn a blind-eye and not hear it or
see it, but it's happening all around us. As Const. Luelo said, it's
happening in the city but it's been coming this way for a while, right here
in 'sleepy hollow Agassiz'. It's a proven fact that some kids at the age of
nine are involved in drugs already.

It was discussed how drugs are readily available, how kids are dealing
bravely on the street, and how they've been caught but their (cops) hands
are tied because they're too young to go to jail. The cycle continues. It's
very sad.

It's easy to say there's nothing for these kids to do or they're bored. We,
as parents, made the choice to have kids and now it's our job to take
responsibility for them and be there for them.

Ask them where they've been, ask them what they're doing.

I believe you need to be their friend, but also be the parent, even though
they may not like you at the time, because it'll pay off in the end.

There are sports and various programs all around us, and if you are unable
to afford the local programs, then there's help for that too. I personally
feel there's no need to have them hanging out in town late at night, or
whenever.

As a parent myself, I am scared of what will become of our kids. I am
scared of the future, but if we can all support and respect our youth in
whichever way we can, let's be there for them and show we care.

Const. Luelo hopes to have a second meeting soon for more discussion and
any questions you may have. Please stay posted as Community Services will
be hosting the next meeting soon.

Marina Striker

Agassiz