Grise Fiord (Feb 23/04) - A new course is training people to make a difference in their community as community health representatives.

Geela Qaapik in Grise Fiord is one of a dozen students taking the course in Panniqtuuq. In December, Qaapik was back in her community working on a month-long practicum, which is part of the program.

She is the only person from Grise Fiord taking the community health course.

She explained her independent study unit is a lot of work. One of her first assignments was to conduct a community presentation.

"I went on the local radio (station) and talked about the program and what I do," she said. "I was really nervous. I have to complete six assignments before I go back to Panniqtuuq."

Qaapik said working in the health care realm has long been a dream of hers.

"I've always wanted to help the community," she said. "When I saw the community health course, I jumped at the chance."

The responsibilities she'll have as a CHR includes promoting healthy living and creating programs for residents.

"I want to find out what our community needs and try to provide it."

One service in particular Qaapik wants to provide to the community is counselling, which she said is very important, especially during the dark winter months.

"Some people find it hard during the dark season," she said. "I want to be able to help people work through those problems."

"I think it's important to have CHRs in communities because they are so isolated," she said. After her practicum, she headed back to Panniqtuuq to finish the nine-month course. Students from Pond Inlet, Kimmirut, Hall Beach and Panniqtuuq are also taking the course.