loading...
By John McDonald
Trustee Gail Given doesn’t want the school board to give up on the anti-drug DARE program so easily, telling her fellow trustees so during last week’s board meeting and asking that a letter be sent to the RCMP asking them to do what they can to preserve it.
Kelowna.com first reported last Monday that the long-standing program was going to be cancelled in January, the victim of the need by Kelowna RCMP, which pays for the program, to bolster the major crimes unit.
RCMP superintendent Bill McKinnon told Kelowna.com that the unit is overwhelmed with serious crime cases, forcing him to reassign the funding for the full-time officer that faciliates the DARE program to the major crimes unit.
The decision only affects the 21 elementary schools in Kelowna. The DARE program is funded separately in other areas of the Central Okanagan school district including Lake Country and West Kelowna.
School liaison officer Const. Cheryl McKinnon has proposed a replacement of sorts for DARE called Blast Off, where members of the Kelowna Rockets would act as anti-drug ambassadors giving presentations to local schools.
But Given thinks Blast Off, with its target audience of Grade 7 and 8 students, misses out on the chance to get the anti-drug message out to kids at a younger age.
“They are very impressionable heading into those years where drugs become available,” said Given. “DARE gives kids the ability to make better life transmissions three or four years down the road.”
Given said her own initial research has found there may be some replacement funding available through the non-profit DARE B.C. Society.
“Perhaps there’s some funding available there or through other service clubs,” she added.
As well, Given wondered if a modified DARE program, with 3 or 4 sessions instead of the current 10, might make it more feasible.
“I just want to make sure we explore these other options before walking away from DARE,” she added.
john@kelowna.com
250-575-0521
One Response to “Don’t walk away from DARE program so easily, implores school trustee”
Tags: anti-drug, DARE, gail given
loading...
I did DARE 2 years ago and my little sister is taking it now, and my brothers need to know in 2 or 3 years what they are. Please dont let DARE go! its a big part of me and my family!
Please continue discussion on the forum: link