Something very special took place at the Yorkton Regional High School earlier this month. A group of 42 enthusiastic local students dedicated two days of their time to learn how to prevent bullying in our community. Together with two adult advisors and a Canadian Red Cross Respect Education Trainer, these volunteer students made an inspiring commitment to work to prevent bullying in their school and community. "This is one of our first opportunities in many years to work with Yorkton youth," says Melanie Horton, local Community Outreach Coordinator for the Red Cross. "We are excited to see what these students will do when they work together and have the opportunity to use their power for the positive."
The students are now Youth Facilitators for the Red Cross 'Beyond the Hurt' bullying prevention program. They were provided with all the information, resources and practice they need to go out and deliver bullying prevention presentations to their peers. "Having students talk to other youth is by far the most effective way to reach youth with this education," adds Horton. The training was made possible thanks to financial support from the RBC Foundation. "Yorkton Royal Bank Branch Manager Brett Franklin has been very supportive of Yorkton Regional's efforts." "We at RBC are so proud of our partnership with Canadian Red Cross and the Beyond the Hurt Bullying Prevention program. We believe in the power of youth in making meaningful change within our local communities.
The commitment these inspiring students have made today and the message they will champion in the days to come will help make our communities a healthier and more vibrant place to live, learn, and play," says Franklin. Last year, over 38,000 people across the province participated in Red Cross violence, abuse and bullying prevention education
