Students in five Fort Nelson schools will get more opportunities to learn about healthy relationships, conflict resolution and violence prevention through an expanded school program launching this month.
The Northern Rockies RCMP is partnering with the Northern Rockies Child Development Association to grow its Violence is Preventable, or VIP, program over the next 24 weeks.
The school-based initiative is designed to give young people practical tools for building safe and respectful relationships while helping them recognize and prevent violence.
The expansion was made possible after the NRCDA successfully secured funding through the RCMP Family Violence Initiative Fund, with support from the Northern Rockies RCMP.
More than 200 applications were submitted from across Canada, with the Fort Nelson proposal selected for funding.
The additional money will allow the VIP program to increase the number of classroom presentations delivered in five local schools, beginning in September.
The sessions will be tailored to students’ ages and cover topics ranging from understanding emotions and developing coping skills to communication, conflict resolution and de-escalation.
Students will also learn about bullying and cyberbullying, healthy relationships, bystander intervention and cultural safety and respect.
Other lessons will focus on substance use and violence, seeking help, leadership, peer influence and taking responsibility within the community.
Northern Rockies RCMP officers will also take part as guest speakers, giving students a chance to interact with local police outside of traditional enforcement settings.
“The Northern Rockies RCMP is committed to collaboration by providing guest speakers for the VIP Program, which also allows our officers to make important connections with our local youth,” said S/Sgt. Jason Rumming, detachment commander for the Northern Rockies RCMP.
“Expanding this program within schools is an incredible opportunity to build on the valuable work the NRCDA is already doing with young people here in Fort Nelson, with the ultimate goal of building a safer community for everyone.”
The NRCDA plans to deliver the program over 24 weeks, with presentations beginning in September and continuing through the school year.
The organizations said the goal is to give students the knowledge and skills they can use both inside and outside the classroom to build healthier relationships and contribute to a safer community.
