As part of the Community Policing initiative, Police Constable (PC) Juan Choc has been active in schools across San Pedro in effort to introduce students to the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) Program. On Wednesday, June 8th, PC Choc, Deputy of the Coastal Executive Unit Henry Jemmott, and Councilor Ruben Gonzalez visited Yurelie Casanova’s Standard Four class at the New Horizon Seventh-day Adventist School. A total of 21 students were awarded with certificates for successfully completing the program.
The GREAT program began country-wide in 2010, and PC Choc traveled to San Salvador, El Salvador for a two-week training that integrates the program into the school’s curriculum. Over the course of 13 lessons each week, children are educated on the consequences of gang violence and the benefits of developing positive relationships with law enforcement. They also learn how to refuse peer pressure, get help in communicating their problems and make concrete resolutions.
According to Jemmot, the GREAT program has always had a positive effect on students. “Within the program, we help to assist children and at-risk youth to say no to drugs, gangs, and refrain from illegal activities. Children are sometimes vulnerable, and that is why we target schools to encourage children to be someone in life,” said Jemmot.
PC Choc, with the support of the San Pedro Police Department will continue the GREAT program when schools reopen after summer vacations. “The classes that participate are very interactive. We as police try to encourage the youth to be positive role models in their community. We hope the students retain what was taught, and hope to continue to mold the younger generation into future leaders of tomorrow, said PC Choc.
Congratulations to all the children that completed the program, may your choices always be GREAT!
For more information on the GREAT program contact PC Choc at 628-7702
