What Others Say

"SWOVA has been working with local youth for several years in the Respectful Relationship program that they developed. It is difficult to quantify such programs’ success. Anecdotally I can say that RCMP members that come to Salt Spring Island find that the youth they encounter are much more courteous than youth they had encountered in previous postings.

"Last year SWOVA advanced their program to reach the parents. The dynamics of any family or group is affected by the members of the group. If the older elements do not learn the lessons of the younger people, then the learning road is hampered and neither the younger nor older elements fully benefit from the experience.

"In policing traffic, we found the most effective education when seatbelt use was introduced was to educate the children, and they constantly reminded the adults. Seatbelt compliance increased much more quickly when the vehicle owners had kids. Similarly, now that the youth are learning Respectful Relationships, this program can further extend into the family setting and benefit all.

"Saltspring RCMP endorses the SWOVA Respectful Relationships program and hopes that its value is demonstrated in developing a healthier community."

Sgt. D.F. (Danny) Willis
Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge
Salt Spring Island RCMP - 2008

 

"As a parent actively involved in our community over the past 16 years, I have witnessed the need for programs like those developed by SWOVA. The outcomes and benefits of their [R+R] programs, having been implemented jointly through community and schools over the last five years, are notable and long lasting. Thanks to SWOVA’s adult and youth facilitators, more and more young adults in our communities now know how to make better decisions in their young lives, and they are more comfortable talking about issues that are sensitive but so critical to their development, health and survival. This program has been accepted and supported by youth because it involves their peers counselling them, and the youth counsellors reach far into the community long after they have left the school system.

It is far better to be proactive than reactive about social issues for our youth. Statistics have shown that SWOVA’s [R+R] program is strong and effective because it spans school and community effectively, consistently and with increasing impact."

Nairn Howe
Chairperson, Gulf Islands Secondary
Parent Advisory Council - November 2004

 

"I have had the pleasure of working as teacher-sponsor for the SWOVA R+R program at Gulf Islands Secondary School for several years… The content of the workshop series links beautifully with many of the new B.C. Graduation Portfolio criteria and Planning 10 learning outcomes… Students reported that they felt that the program was helpful in raising their level of awareness about violence in relationships and about the unhealthy nature of some teenage behaviors and expressions that have been normalized in our culture. Many said that they would focus on being more respectful in their interactions as a result of this experience. This raise awareness and the expressed desire to take positive action at a personal level are enough to convince me that this is a program well worth supporting in our schools."

Elly Mckeague
SD #64 Educator

 

"Program success is one essential factor for supporting [the R+R program] implementation and continuation. Of even greater importance is the positive difference that the program has made in student behaviour. It is common for students to use the appropriate language when interacting with others, particularly where there may be differences. It is very uncommon for our school administrators and teachers to have to deal with physical altercations. Where bullying occurs, students have the tools and the confidence to deal with the situation in a manner which problem solves and rarely escalates the problem. Our principals support the [R+R] program because they see the positive difference it has made to school climate. The natural extension of these observations would be that these young people are better equipped when they face challenges in their future.

The partnership with SWOVA has been one that exemplifies the program foundation. We have had a strong working relationship between SWOVA and our Board, between SWOVA and our schools, and between the facilitators and teaching staff.

It is hard to imagine what our schools were like before SWOVA took the initiative to apply for a grant and had the vision of what R+R would develop in our students. It is immensely gratifying to know that hundreds of our students have benefited from being part of this vital learning experience.

On behalf of the Board of School Trustees of School District #64 (Gulf Islands), I strongly recommend the Respectful Relationships program."

Wendy Herbert
Superintendent of Schools - June 2006

 

 

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