DFS supports DARE program
Duty Free Shoppers-Saipan Inc. has agreed to become the main corporate sponsor of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program of the Department of Public Safety in the CNMI.
While DFS has always been very supportive and generous in helping the program’s objectives and goals to benefit the youth in the CNMI, its contribution to the DARE program will now allow DPS to reach not only the public schools but the private schools as well.
Since the program has limited funding, public schools are given the priority in implementing the DARE program.
DPS established the DARE program in the CNMI in September 1995. Drug use continues to be a factor in crimes committed on the island such as burglary, theft, assault and murder. As a result, DPS believes that efforts should focus on an island-wide campaign that will help prevent them from experimenting on these illegal substances.
Such efforts offer hope for freeing the communities from the tragedy of substance abuse and the crime and violence they generate, DPS said. Since the DARE program was established, an average of 1,000 Grade 6 students per year registered. Classroom training is provided for eight weeks and certificates are given in a graduation ceremony.
DARE enrollees are taught techniques on how to resist the pressure of using drugs and getting into violent acts.
Furthermore, the DARE program has now provided after-school activities through its Athletic Program such as basketball, volleyball and softball, as well as taking part in off-island competitions to interact with other kids by sharing ideas, promoting friendship, and showing their athletic talents.
