SD68 teachers are getting more resources to steer at-risk youth away from gangs and criminal activities. (The Canadian Press)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

YOUTH VIOLENCE

Nanaimo-Ladysmith schools target youth gangs with provincial cash

Dec 8, 2021 | 5:38 AM

NANAIMO — Local teachers are getting more access to resources for tackling the worsening issue of youth gangs and violence.

A fresh injection of provincial funding will go to School District 68’s Learning Alternatives program, to help provide more education and supports for kids at risk of falling into a gang-influenced, criminal lifestyle.

Brett Hancock, principal at Learning Alternatives, told NanaimoNewsNOW the issue of student violence and gang involvement isn’t going away.

“We’ve all seen youth gangs and gang recruitment are definitely hurting the life chances of many students. Over the past four years, our Alternates school has seen a spike in enrollment but an even higher spike in some youth gang and criminal behaviour.”

The programs, offered out of Woodlands and John Barsby secondary schools primarily work with Indigenous students, however the supports are open to any student identified by the district.

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Teachers and other school staff work internally, as well with the RCMP and community groups to steer at-risk kids towards these programs.

“Youth that are starting to get entrenched in some criminal behaviour and finding belonging in a gang setting, where we want that belonging to be apart of a team, community and bring them back as part of our school,” Hancock said.

Officially named “Nutsumaat Syaays”, a Hulquminum phrase for ‘working together as one’, the supports and teachings will revolve around Ivy Richardson of Red Girl Rising.

Richardson’s program uses sport, yoga and other programs to redirect at-risk youth into more constructive pursuits.

SD68’s $8,000 grant from the province was part of $486,000 made available across B.C. for similar programs.

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alex@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley