Some of the cash, drugs, gang colours and stolen IDs seized by Kelowna RCMP in a raid are seen in this file photo.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/RCMP
February 25, 2020 - 2:43 PM
If you are worried your child may be susceptible to allures of gang life, there's a chance to get ahead of it.
Kelowna and Kamloops — two of 16 priority communities identified by police and safety experts as those that could benefit from additional gang prevention support — are holding school-based gang prevention sessions aimed at shining a light on high-risk behaviours and techniques to deal with them, according to a Ministry of Education media release.
"These sessions are focused on raising awareness of local risks and giving parents the tools and supports they need to keep their children out of gang life," Rob Fleming, Minister of Education said in the release. "Training opportunities like these can help parents ensure their kids get the support they need earlier, so they can continue to work together toward positive futures."
The gang prevention program provides education and training opportunities for students, parents, educators, law enforcement officials and representatives of community-based organizations.
"In partnership with parents, our district plays a critical role in educating young people about healthy choices," Alison Sidow, superintendent, Kamloops-Thompson School District said in the release. "The world is complex and we all have a responsibility to ensure our youth are equipped with the information they need to critically think about how their decisions affect their futures."
Topics will include an overview of the current B.C. gang landscape; information on how gang members are recruiting using social media and what attracts children and youth to the gang lifestyle.
Presenters will also discuss what gang membership entails and dispel some of the myths and realities of gang membership, as well as offer warning signs and steps to take if you think your child is involved in gang activity.
The upcoming parent education session in Kamloops will be offered Tuesday, March 3, at 6:30 p.m. at Henry Grube Education Centre, located at 245 Kitchener Cres., Kamloops. No registration is required. Sessions run approximately 90 minutes.
It will be offered in Kelowna on April 2, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Hollywood Road Education Centre, Room 1. The centre is located at 1040 Hollywood Rd. South, Kelowna. No registration is required.
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