MORE CONCERT MAGIC PAGE A3
THE DOGS OF DUNROVIN PAGE A12
MAYHEM TAKES THE RUMBLE PAGE A16
OBSERVER
I use quesnelobserver.com for my news when I’m on the fly!
QUESNEL - CARIBOO
SINCE 1908
Friday, December 21, 2012
VOL. 99 NO. 32
www.quesnelobserver.com
1
$ 34
PM 40005365
includes HST
EDUCATION
Little Warriors workshop valuable in child abuse prevention AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter
The children’s season This time of year brings joy to young children and those young at heart. Christmas concerts are one of the highlights of the year. These Ecole Baker seasonal songsters entertained on Tuesday morning. For more photos see this issue and the next issue of the Observer. Jonas Gagnon photo
To all members of the Quesnel Rodeo Club & Volunteers Best Wishes for the Holiday Season & all the best in 2013. Thank you for all your dedication & hard work Scott Kirk, President, QRC
One in three girls and one in six boys will experience unwanted sexual contact before their 18th birthday. Eighty per cent of these encounters will occur in a one-onone setting. Ninety-five percent of children will know their perpetrator. That’s why Little Warriors, a national charitable organization is offering a revolutionary workshop aimed at educating adults on how to help prevent, recognize and react to child sexual abuse. “This is a three-hour program with the intention to educate and empower,” program coordinator for B.C., Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Cortney Needham said. The curriculum is useful for parents, professionals or organizations who are: • seeking training for staff and volunteers in the prevention of child sexual abuse; • wanting to make a difference in their community; • needing to respond to insurance requirements regarding child protection; or • seeking Continuing Education Credits. The workshop includes: • an interactive workbook for each participant containing the full program curriculum; • DVD segments of sexual abuse survivors relating their stories of violation and healing, with segments from the author of the curriculum and from professionals who interface daily with
Good day, Quesnel. Thanks for reading — and that includes loyal subscriber S. Curtis! To join the Observer family, please call 250-992-2121 and ask for circulation.
the problem of sexual abuse; • opportunity for discussion about important issues in sexual abuse prevention and the relevance of these issues within organizations that serve children and adolescents. After the workshop, participants will: • understand the facts of child sexual abuse – incidence rates and effects on individuals and society; • understand how child sexual abuse happens; • understand that adults are responsible for the protection of children; • understand the importance of screening staff/volunteers who work with children and adolescents; • understand the importance of a well conceived one-adult/onechild policy – have resources to react responsibly to incidents of child sexual abuse; • understand the proactive role youth-serving organizations need to take to protect children and educate their communities about child sexual abuse. “It’s about breaking down conversations,” Needham said. “It’s about education and empowerment. Perpetrators are less like to approach a child that is knowledgable and confident.” It all takes place, Jan. 3, 2013, 1 – 4 p.m. Cost is $30 a person or $25 for groups of two or more. Each participant receives a manual and certificate. Register online at www.littlewarriors.ca or call, 1-888-4401343.
BLIZZ ARD DEALS $1
$2
$3
Sale Table All items $1, $2, $3, $4 & $5
$4 $5
ALL SALES FINAL 351 Reid Street Across from Post Office • 250-991-0298 Helping you build a healthy body & mind, Naturally!