Leadership program brings youth together
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Rankin Inlet (May 16/01) - Teamwork, trust, leadership.
These three elements of success were the reason students from Repulse Bay and Whale Cove travelled to Rankin Inlet earlier this month to take part in the annual delegates attaining raw experience (DARE) program at Alaittuq High.
The student-run leadership program is aimed at increasing self-esteem, instilling a sense of acceptance and tolerance towards others, building school spirit and developing leadership skills.
Joining the 40 area participants were Repulse Bay's Lucy Tegumiar, Michael Putulik, Jessica Siutinuar and Linda Milortok, along with Whale Cove's Rodney Sabourin, Maxine Angoo, Russell Mullins and Rachel Misheralak.
Alaittuq High teacher Rachel Stuy was the event co-ordinator. She says all the students were from grades 9 through 12, with Grade 11 and 12 students being group leaders.
There were 10 leaders in the two-day conference, along with guest speakers Andrew Rushmere and Greg Hambley of London, Ont.
"Both Andrew and Greg are veterans of the DARE program who are just finishing their first year at Queen's University," says Stuy.
"In this year's conference, we expanded our skill building to include self-esteem, friendship, leadership, teamwork and trust, and goal setting."
Siutinuar is a Grade 10 student at Tusarvik school in Repulse Bay. This was her second trip to Rankin to attend DARE and she says she would highly recommend the experience to other students.
"The whole DARE experience is great and a lot of fun to participate in," says Siutinuar.
"What first appealed to me about DARE was improving my confidence, self-esteem and other skills, so I could become more of a leader in my community."
Siutinuar says she enjoyed all the sessions and activities at this year's conference and is already looking forward to next year.
"I want to go back and try to be a skill builder.
"I'd really like to give it a try because I've learned a lot about what it takes to be a good leader and I'd like to pass on that knowledge to other students."
