Arviat (Mar 19/03) - The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program is making an impression among Arviat youth. Const. Paul Paquin of the Arviat detachment of the RCMP says this was the second year the DARE program was delivered in the community.

Grade 6 student Derrick Gibbons of Arviat proudly displays his DARE graduation certificate with course instructor RCMP Const. Paul Paquin. - photo courtesy of Carroll MacIntyre

The number of program participants rose dramatically in 2003 from the previous year.

A total of 20 students graduated from the inaugural 2002 program, while 61 received their certificates this year.

"We had two Grade 6 classes last year and three this year, so our numbers were bound to go up a bit, but it was a considerably better experience this year," says Paquin.

"The students saw what the program was like last year, and that seemed to influence the kids who were on the edge of wanting to do the program rather than sitting at home watching TV.

"Once they all realized how much fun the program is, that seemed to spark their desire to participate."

The DARE program is comprised of 17 lessons taught in local schools.

Paquin was able to spend an hour with each of the three Grade 6 classes twice a week.

Students who participate in DARE not only learn about the risks associated with alcohol, cigarettes, drugs and solvent abuse, they also learn how to handle peer pressure and improve their overall self-esteem.

"All those topics are encompassed in the one program, rather than just going into the school and focusing solely on drugs and alcohol and what they can do to you."

Paquin says an important part of the DARE program is to get the participants actively involved, so they're comfortable in voicing their feelings and thoughts on the topics covered.

The program also includes a role model lesson.

"I try to get high school students to come in so the Grade 6 students can ask them what high school is really like and what it's like to be a teenager.

"I also had one of the hamlet's sewage truck drivers (Sam Arnarauyak) come in this year to share his experiences when he was younger, talk about decisions he made and what he did to get his life back on a positive track.

"His visit went over well with the kids."