To help educate youth and to fight the lure of gangs and gang violence in B.C.'s communities, the provincial government is providing $1.12 million in additional funding to expand the Expect Respect and a Safe Education (ERASE) anti-bullying program.
“Programs that address the circumstances that lead to gang involvement help to create positive community connections, and a better way of life,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “We’re ensuring we provide the resources necessary for our youth, by partnering with the Ministry of Education to expand on their very successful province-wide ERASE program, to include new training modules focused on gang and gun violence prevention.”
B.C.’s ERASE Strategy is designed to help prevent, identify and stop harmful behaviours, whether they occur in school or on-line. The new training modules will be provided to school and district staff, law enforcement and community partners. The expanded program will also provide specific training for communities where gang-affiliated behaviours have been identified and for youth who would benefit from additional support. The program will be available to a culturally diverse audience.
“Education is crucial to keeping our children connected to their community and on the road to success,” added Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “This funding will give teachers and community partners more tools to help students avoid gang life, transition to higher learning, and lead successful lives.”
Preventative measures, such as the ERASE program, ensure youth around B.C. are knowledgeable and resilient, and have the resources they need to make the right choices and avoid criminal and gang activity.
To ensure supports are there for those seeking to leave the gang lifestyle, the province is providing an additional grant of $239,000 to the End Gang Life Exiting and Outreach Pilot Program. The program, currently being evaluated to identify best practices and lessons learned, supports young gang-entrenched adults who are serious about making a change. The additional funding provided will support the pilot through to the end of its evaluation phase.
