Grades 7 to 9 students from Davidson School, Kenaston School and Loreburn Central School enjoyed a fun day of educational activities last week while also learning a serious message about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

The kids participated in a Talking to Youth Live (TTYL) program put on by the Sun West School Division, Heartland Health Region and the Alcohol Awareness Wellness Network (DAWN). The TTYL program brought the students together last Wednesday at Kenaston Place for a full day of learning activities such as jeopardy, snakes and ladders, tug o’ war, the “What Am I” game and an obstacle course that helped create awareness about substance abuse while also teaching them about healthier alternatives.

“The purpose was to provide the students with the right information regarding drugs and alcohol (and) to give them a chance to be in a fun environment where they can learn about it,” said Sun West addictions educator Liza Dahl. They “talk to addiction professionals, people that work with people who struggle with addictions on a daily basis, and (it) allows them a chance to ask questions and be interested and find out some information.”

Nathan Ruten, a grades 8 and 9 math teacher at Kenaston School, said the activities at the event were geared towards educating the younger-aged kids, so they would know about the subject later on in life when it may become more of a pressing issue. He said having learning games also helps the kids become more engaged in the material rather than just telling them in the classroom to not abuse drugs and alcohol.

“We did snakes and ladders, but before you do it you had to answer a question related to drugs and alcohol and what they are,” said Ruten. “There was the obstacle course where they had to put on the drunk goggles and try to get through the whole thing to see what it would be like to do everyday activities while impaired. (Then) jeopardy, again it’s about educating, as the questions were related to drug and alcohol abuse.”

To read more please see the March 17 print edition of The Davidson Leader.