April 2, 2009
DSBN Students Participate in Youth Helping Youth Program
Today’s youth are living in a world that is more technologically advanced and competitive than ever before. In an effort to help their peers navigate through an increasingly complex world, 12 secondary school students from the District School Board of Niagara will travel to Temagami, Ontario to participate in a Peer Counselling project from April 4 – 7.
The project, a partnership between the DSBN, the Niagara Native Restorative Circle and Appleby College, aims to empower young people with the knowledge and tools to effectively support one another.
“When teens are going through tough times, both socially and emotionally, they are most likely to turn to their friends and colleagues for guidance and support,” says Ray Pidzamecky, DSBN Social Worker Consultant. “By participating in this program, students will learn strategies to effectively provide that support and increase the chances of positive outcomes for their peers.” Once they return home, students will also work to establish a peer-counseling network in their community.
While in Temagami, students will have the opportunity to learn about the values, traditions and cultures of the First Nations. Students will spend time each day with First Nations elders who will guide them through experiences on the land, use of the language and provide them with an understanding of traditional healing techniques. Half of the 12 students making the trip north will be Aboriginal students.
Students from Fort Erie Secondary, St. Catharines Collegiate and Lakeport/Eden High School will all take part in the program.