Crime Prevention Program Launches in Four Communities

A crime prevention project to help children and youth make good choices is being introduced in four Nova Scotian communities.

Project LEAD, a program for African Nova Scotian youth in grades 5-8, will begin Sept. 19 in Digby, New Glasgow and Whitney Pier. The program will also launch soon in Glace Bay.

"Project LEAD will teach youth about the consequences of poor choices, encourage excellence and provide African Nova Scotian youth with the skills to make positive and healthy life choices," said John MacDonell, acting on behalf of African Nova Scotian Affairs Minister Percy Paris. "This project is part of our commitment to making life better for youth and their families."

The Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs is offering the program with support from the National Crime Prevention Strategy's Crime Prevention Action Fund and the Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority.

"Today's announcement is welcome news for families in Nova Scotia," said Vic Toews, Canada's Minister of Public Safety. "Government is helping prevent crime by investing in projects that help at-risk youth avoid criminal activities. The support we are providing shows that we are serious about reducing crime and providing at-risk youth in Digby, New Glasgow, Whitney Pier and Glace Bay the tools they need to make smart choices."

Project LEAD is based on a law-related education program developed by the Office of the District Attorney of Los Angeles County in 1993 and adopted in several U.S. cities. It has a strong track record in reaching out to at-risk African American youth.

This is the first time it will be offered in Canada.

In Nova Scotia, the program will also teach students about African Nova Scotian heritage and culture. For more information, visit www.gov.ns.ca/ansa.

Public Safety Canada's National Crime Prevention Strategy provides funding support to selected projects that help prevent crime and increase knowledge about effective crime prevention measures. For more information, visit www.publicsafety.gc.ca .